-- \ ^ V - 






'>'^ 






"^^ v-^' 
A^^. 



V 



* ,. 



.o 



-0- 









cf' ,C\ 



■-''~^: .^-^ ',w ^°^ 












■Ji^ ^ ^^ "-'■'■ V 



>: 












r'-( 





















i-i-^. 



/ 



■^^ 



.x V c A: 















v>^' 



•, ^^^i^M-^ .^ 













-oo^ 



''-"#'//*^' 









"^^- v"^^ 






-^^ 












,~^::;^\* .^• 



O. .0^ ^,^ '«. ,-% 












FRONTIER DEFENSE ON THE 
UPPER OHIO, 1777-1778 



^ 

d^: 



H 



# 

K*'-- 






fe- 




7 



^ 
.»^'' . 

>!*' 



J 



V 



DRAPER SERIES. VOLUME III 



FRONTIER DEFENSE 



ON THE 



Upper Ohio, 1777-1778 



Compiled from the Draper Manuscripts in the 
Library of the Wisconsin Historical Societ}^ 
and published at the charge of the Wisconsin 
Society of the Sons of the American Revolution 



EDITED BY 

REUBEN GOLD THWAITES, LL. D. 

Superintendent of the Society 

AND 

LOUISE PHELPS KELLOGG, Ph. D. 

Editorial Assistant on the Society's Staff 



r^ 


STATE 


^ 


11 

i 


^ 


[3 


J 


f SOCIETY 



MADISON 

Wisconsin Historical Society 

1912 



Honr 



1KCIN1A 




f^ 



/ 




A 



r 



J 



K^ 



<♦•' 




£'y 








/ 



'^ 






Copyright, 1912 
By the State Historical Society of Wisconsin 



Published March, 1912 



OSHKOSH 
Castle-Pierce Printing Company 



^|5> 



CC1.A309920 



CONTENTS 



• 




Fayc 


Introduction. The Editors 


. . . . 


. 


Explanation .... 


. 




Docuniciiti 






Hand at Fort Pitt . 




I, 188 


Frontier posts on the Ohio 


. 


. 3 


News from Fort Pitt 


5 


, 14, 128 


Affairs at Detroit 


7, 14, 


230, 280 


Defense of the Virginia frontier 


. 16, 21, 69, 205, 


209, 223 


General Hand warned 




. 18 


Friendly Indian warnings 




• 25 


Suggestions from Governor Henry 




• 30 


Provisioning and strengthening the 


forts 


33, 46 


Sundry raids and skirmishes . 


. 33, 36, 78, 93, 


138, 151, 




248, 273, 


294 


Expeditions planned 


. 42, 48, 74, 100, 


133, 145, 




154, 193, 197, 


202, 278 


The Tory conspiracy 


. 


. 51 


The siege of Fort Henry 


. 


54, 72 


Situation at Fort Henry . 


. 50, 76, 83, 129, 


138, 245 


Kittanning evacuated 


. 


. 82 


Indians murdered by frontiersmen 


. 


. 85 


Relations with the Delawares . 


86, 93, 112, 164, 
244, 269 


228, 241, 


Fort Hand built 




. 97 


Word from the Muskingum 




. 100 


Foreman's defeat 


. 


. 106 


Aftermath of Foreman's defeat 


. 


. 118 


Reinforcements for Fort Randolph 


. 


. 122 



CONTENTS 



Troops for the Continental Army . 

Good news from the East 

Tory drowned; Zackwell Morgan arrested 

Fort Randolph reinforced; Cornstalk detained 

The murder of Cornstalk 

News from Fort Randolph 

Indians of the Allegheny 

Temper of Western Indians 

The Kentucky settlements 

Loyalists at Fort Pitt 

Plans for Clark's expedition . 

The Squaw Campaign 

Oaths of allegiance 

Conciliating the Shawnee 

Report of Commissioners 

Loyalists escape .... 

Boat building . . . . . 

Defense of the Southwestern frontier 

Relations with Spaniards 

Congress plans for the West . 

News of the French alliance 

Muster rolls 



157, i< 



Page 

. 132 

• 136 

. 142 

. 149 

175, 240 



171, 



196, 



194, 246 
172, 188 
. 178 
. 181 
. 184 
226, 263, 271 
201, 215 
. 203 
234, 258 
. 238 
249, 274 
256, 276 
262, 265 
. 289 
. 293 
. 297 
. 300 



Index 



307 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Map of the Frontier of Northwest Virginia 
in the Revolution .... 

Portrait of Gen. Edward Hand 

Facsimile of portion of Gen. Henry Hamilton's 
report of Council at Detroit 

Fort Henry (Wheeling, W. Va.) in 1777 

Portrait of Mrs. Lydia (Boggs-Shepherd) Cruger 

Blockhouse, Fort Pitt 

Monument to Cornstalk, at Point Pleasant, W. Va. 

Portrait of Col. Moses Shepherd 

Portrait of Gen. James O'Hara 

Facsimile of portion of letter by John Campbell 
to George Rogers Clark .... 



Page 

Frontispiece " 
I 



8 " 

50 

66 
128 
160 
222 ' 
278 ^ 



298 



^ 



INTRODUCTION 



The Draper Series, of which this is Volume III, is 
devoted to the pubHcation of original documentary 
material obtained in the main from the Draper Manu- 
script Collection, now in the Society's possession. The 
task of selection and annotation, and of putting the 
volumes through the press, has fallen to the present 
Editors ; but the cost of printing has generously been 
borne by the Wisconsin Society of the Sons of 
the American Revolution. The first volume, a 
Documentary History of Dunmore's War, 1774, was 
published in May, 1905 ; the second. Revolution on the 
Upper Ohio, 1775-1777, appeared in February, 1908. 
The present is a continuation of Volume II, and will, 
it is expected, be followed by others, extending the 
subject to the close of the Revolutionary War. 

Volume II closed with news of the coming to Fort 
Pitt of Gen. Edward Hand. For the frontiersmen of 
the Upper Ohio, this was an event of much impor- 
tance. He had served in its garrison during the British 
regime, and was well-known and popular throughout 
the district. His appointment was a welcome assur- 
ance to the borderers that the commander-in-chief 
and the Continental Congress proposed, so far as 
seemed then possible, to assist in their protection. 

But the barbaric enemy facing the frontier diflfered 
greatly from the well-equipped, well-drilled profes- 



X FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

sional army from Europe that confronted the armed 
men of the tidewater. The stealthy foes of the border 
aimed their heaviest blows at the homes, wives, and 
children of the settlers; no life was safe from them, 
no person secure. Through long and bitter experience, 
the backwoodsmen had come to understand the art 
of defense by concentration within neighborhood 
blockhouses and log forts. But a new danger pre- 
sented itself. The Indians were now guided and stim- 
ulated by the nation's white enemies, so that to their 
native cunning were added the superior intelligence 
and more astute methods of the English. The situa- 
tion soon became desperate. 

The British authorities at Detroit were especially 
active in urging the Indians to war against the Ameri- 
cans. Permissory orders to that effect were received 
by Lieutenant-Governor Hamilton early in June, 1777. 
With consummate skill he roused the barbarians to 
frenzy; under his stimulus they prepared to hurl 
themselves upon the American frontier. The invading 
parties were provided by Hamilton w^ith proclamations 
prepared both by Governor Carleton and himself, call- 
ing on the Western inhabitants to submit to King 
George and take refuge within the British posts, 
where a land bounty would be given them for loyal 
service. This project was adroitly devised to mingle 
terror and mercy, in the hope that the colonists' rebel- 
lion would speedily be crushed on the Western bor- 
ders; and that the Easterners, finding themselves be- 
tween two fires, would be obliged to yield. The effect 
of these proclamations, scattered by Indian raiders 



INTRODUCTION xi 

throughout the American backwoods settlements, was 
considerable. In some cases they were suppressed by 
American officers, but the Loyalist disaffection in the 
trans-Alleghany is largely attributable to this source. 

The herculean task confronting Hand on his arrival 
at Fort Pitt was to defend the vast frontier (stretch- 
ing from Kittanning on the north to the Great 
Kanawha on the south) from the inroads of Indian 
parties, and to overawe disaffection and active Loy- 
alist measures within the settlements. To accom- 
plish this result. Congress had given him a mere hand- 
ful of regular troops, and left him to recruit militia- 
men and commandeer the supplies sufficient for his 
needs. Four principal forts were placed at strategic 
points — Kittanning, Pitt, Henry, and Randolph. In 
addition there were numerous local blockhouses, for 
every small community ''forted" while danger hovered 
near ; but during a lull in hostilities, the men ventured 
to attend to their home duties in the widely scattered 
farmsteads and fields. To add to his difficulties, Hand 
was much embarrassed by the active and often viru- 
lent boundary controversy betw^een Pennsylvania and 
Virginia, both states claiming jurisdiction of the re- 
gion around Fort Pitt. 

Fortunately for the final event, the tribesmen who 
had declared war against the border were those known 
to the frontiersmen as the "far Indians," with habitats 
about Detroit and along the Sandusky, Maumee, and 
Wabash rivers, where they were closely under British 
tutelage. The Shawnee and Delawares of the nearer 
wilderness had not yet forgotten the battle of Point 
Pleasant (1774), and for the time adhered to their 



xii FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

treaty with the Americans made in 1775 at Pitts- 
burgh — not only maintaining neutrality, but proving 
their friendliness by giving timely warnings of the 
approach of war parties. The Delawares in particular 
acted as a buffer between the Americans and the 
Indian allies of the British. Their chiefs went fre- 
quently and freely to Fort Pitt, and the Moravian 
missionaries among them were useful agents for the 
colonial cause. 

Had the frontiersmen but carefully distinguished 
between Indian friends and foes, and kept the faith 
as loyally as the former, much trouble might have 
been avoided. There was, however, a savage spirit 
among the rank and file of the borderers, that did no 
honor to the American cause. Hand was obliged con- 
tinually to intervene to protect the lives of the friendly 
Delawares, for he had reason to fear their massacre 
by the inhabitants around Fort Pitt. This dispo- 
sition culminated in the dastardly murder of Chief 
Cornstalk, with three of his tribe, in the autumn of 
1777, while they were detained as hostages within the 
walls of Fort Randolph. This same indiscriminately 
revengeful disposition broke out against the Loyalists, 
one of whose leaders, Hickson, was drowned while a 
prisoner, apparently by the connivance of the militia 
officer in charge. With Cornstalk's death vanished 
the hope of neutrality for the Shawnee, and both the 
Kentucky settlements and the Virginia frontier suf- 
fered repeatedly from the avenging fury of this tribe. 

As a rule, Indian war-parties against the American 
frontier were small. They sought to elude the garri- 
sons, penetrate into the settlements before discovery, 



INTRODUCTION xiii 

strike a quick blow, and then retire. During 1777, 
however, considerable forces of the aboriginal enemy 
twice appeared on the border, prepared for hostile 
operations on a larger scale than usual. September i, 
two hundred or more Indians invested Fort Henry, 
determined, as White Eyes picturesquely put it, "to 
carry Wheeling home" to the native towns. Although 
forewarned by the friendly Delawares, the militia offi- 
cers had grown careless, dismissed the levies that had 
come to their assistance, and on the morning of the 
attack had less than a hundred men within the stock- 
ade. The siege continued during two exciting days, 
at the close of which the persistent enemy withdrew, 
after slaying all outlying cattle and other domestic 
animals. 

The attack on Wheeling aroused the county militia 
of both Pennsylvania and Virginia, and company after 
company poured into Fort Pitt to do garrison duty for 
the outlying posts. Among the reinforcements sent to 
Fort Henry was a band of men from the interior 
county of Hampshire,^ whose inhabitants had for a 
generation been free from Indian ravages. These new- 
comers found the inaction at Wheeling irksome. 
Toward the last of September, forty-six of them, 
headed by their officers, started on a scouting expe- 
dition down the Ohio, when twenty-one of the party 
lost their lives in a native ambush at McMechen's 
Narrows — the event known in border history as the 
Foreman Massacre. For some time after this unfor- 
tunate aflfair, savage raids on the Western border were 



1 Now in West Virginia. 



xiv FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

less frequent. This seems to have been due to the 
defeat of St. Leger's expedition, and the terror in- 
spired in the Western tribesmen by Burgoyne's sur- 
render, together with the possibility of final colonial 
triumph. 

In the frontiersman's calendar, winter stood for 
peace. But the vengeance to be feared for Cornstalk's 
murder made the winter of 1777-78 a time of busy 
preparations for defense. Hand even hoped to con- 
duct an offensive raid, to seize some stores at San- 
dusky, and thus inflict a blow on the British fur-traders 
and their tribal customers. Collecting a small force 
from the western counties of Pennsylvania, he set 
forth in February on the first regular expedition into 
Indian territory since the outbreak of the Revolution. 
A sudden rise of the waters defeated his plans. He 
penetrated no farther than Beaver Creek, where he 
raided two Indian camps, inhabited chiefly by squaws. 
This expedition was thenceforth derisively known as 
the "Squaw Campaign." 

During the winter, Pittsburgh and its vicinity was 
a hive of activity, induced by preparations for three 
important Western expeditions. Documents descrip- 
tive of the voyage of Gibson and Linn to New Orleans, 
to secure powder, were presented in Volume II of this 
series. Encouraged by the success of that undertak- 
ing, and by the strong sympathy with the Americans 
evinced by the Spanish authorities at New Orleans, 
two expeditions outfitted in Pittsburgh to proceed to 
the lower reaches of the Mississippi. One originating 
in Virginia, was led by Col. David Rogers and had for 
its object the procuring of supplies. The one author- 



INTRODUCTION xv 

ized by Congress was in the care of Capt. James 
Willing; this was bolder in scope, and embraced a 
plan to seize West Florida and hold that region for the 
patriot cause. The third was under Col. George 
Rogers Clark, a pioneer of Kentucky ; but the destina- 
tion of this expedition was as yet unrevealed. Colonel 
Clark himself arrived at the neighborhood of Fort Pitt 
early in February, and at once began the work of re- 
cruiting, boat-building, and provisioning. Considerable 
opposition was manifested by the inhabitants to de- 
taching men from this exposed frontier at so critical a 
juncture; but General Hand was admitted to the se- 
cret of Clark's intention to capture the British-French 
garrisons in the Illinois, and quietly aided him with 
such supplies and support as he could furnish. Not 
until Clark was well on his way down the river did the 
news of the French-American alliance reach Pitts- 
burgh. This important fact was communicated to him 
with all speed, and no doubt contributed materially to 
his success among the French of the Illinois. 

Meanwhile communications were maintained with 
the Spanish of Louisiana. In February a message 
from the governor of New Orleans was received at 
Fort Pitt; but as no one there was able to translate 
this document, it was taken to Congress by Col. George 
Morgan. Even in this body no satisfactory translator 
could be found ; consequently, Morgan's response, 
forwarded by Captain Willing, was necessarily 
couched in vague terms of friendship, with a recapitu- 
lation of the colonial victories and successes. 

Hand had in view for the spring of 1778 another 
invasion of Indian territory; he was convinced that 



xvi FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

nothing else would prove efficacious in subduing the 
tribesmen. At first, success seemed wholly probable. 
But among the men surrounding the general was Col. 
Alexander McKee, formerly an Indian agent, but long 
suspected of Loyalist tendencies. He was necessarily 
well-informed of Hand's plans. On the night of 
March 28, McKee broke the parole which he had 
given, and taking with him several confederates and 
servants, escaped to the Indian towns, on his way to 
place and preferment under the British flag. 

Hand had by now found his position intolerable. 
Eager to serve his country, he was satisfied that, with- 
out success, he had done all that any man might in the 
circumstances, and that he could henceforth be more 
useful in the Eastern army. A new commandant, bet- 
ter supported than he had been, might, he thought, 
win laurels on the Western frontier. His petition for 
a recall was seconded by three commissioners then at 
Fort Pitt investigating the situation and the Loyalists' 
movements, and received the assent of Congress. Gen. 
Lachlan Mcintosh was thereupon appointed to the 
West, and being better equipped was able to take the 
offensive from Fort Pitt and strike an effective blow 
in the enemy's country. 

Hand, however, had ably performed a difficult ser- 
vice. At a critical period he saved the frontier from 
being pushed back upon the colonies. His watchful 
care, his careful husbanding of resources, his aid to 
far Western expeditions, and his successful mainte- 
nance of local garrisons, mark his administration as 
one of vigor and efficiency. His command at Fort Pitt 
is memorable in the annals of the American Revolu- 



INTRODUCTION xvii 

tion. Our volume closes with his recall to the Eastern 
field. 

In addition to the material found in the Draper 
Manuscripts we include a few documents from other 
sources — some letters from Col. George Morgan's 
letter-book, the transcripts of which have kindly been 
furnished to us by Mr. Harrison W. Graver, librarian 
of the Garnegie Library, Pittsburgh ; three documents 
obtained through the courteous offices of Dr. Arthur 
G. Doughty, from the Canadian Archives at Ottawa; 
and portions of the Hand letters to Yeates, of which 
accurate transcripts were obligingly sent to us by Dr. 
John Billings, director of the New York Public Li- 
brary. Our acknowledgments are also due to Dr. 
Victor Hugo Paltsits, late New York State Historian, 
for information concerning the Oswego Treaty of 
1777. 

The transcriptions from the Draper Manuscript Col- 
lection are largely the careful work of Miss Daisy G. 
Beecroft, of the Society's Library staff; the proof- 
reading has been under the expert supervision of Miss 
Annie A. Nunns, secretary to the senior Editor; and 
the excellent map has been prepared by Miss Mary 
Stuart Foster, also of the Society's staff. 

R. G. T. 
L. P. K. 



EXPLANATORY 



Following the names of the writer and recipient of 
each document is given its press-mark in the Draper 
Manuscript Collection, by which the original can read- 
ily be identified if its further consultation is desired. 
The capital letter or letters refer to the series to which 
the document belongs; the volume number precedes 
the series letter, the folio or page number follows. 
E.g., the press-mark 1SS57 means Vol. i of the 
Shepherd Papers, p. 57; the press-mark 49J13 is 
equivalent to Vol. 49 of the George Rogers Clark 
MSS, p. 13. 

Immediately after the press-mark, the nature of 
the document is indicated by the descriptive initials 
customarily employed in describing manuscripts : 

A. L. — autograph letter unsigned:' (usually a draft 
in the author's handwriting). 

A. L. S. — autograph letter signed. 

L. S. — letter signed (text being in another's hand- 
writing). 

D. S. — document signed. 




Gkxi-.kal Edward Hand 
rriuisyiz'ania A rehires, 2d series, x, p. 14 



FRONTIER DEFENSE ON THE 
UPPER OHIO, 1777-1778 



HAND TAKES COMMAND AT FORT PITT 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Col. David Shepherd. 1SS57 — 
A. L. S.] 

Whereas the Honourable the Continental Congress 
have thought proper to appoint me to take the Com- 
mand on the Frontiers of Virginia and Pennsylvania^ 
& to embody such of the Militia as I shall think ade- 
quate to the Defence of the Country. And whereas 
the late Murders committed by the Savages, encour- 
aged & supported by our cruel Enemies evidently 
point out the absolute Necessity of a perfect union 
and Harmony amongst the Frontier Inhabitants in 
Defence of their Lives, Liberties & Properties 

I do hereby declare, that in Execution of the Trust 
reposed in me, I shall consider those persons as dan- 
gerous & disaffected to the American Cause, who abet 
or in any wise foment the present unhappy disputes 
between the states of Virginia & Pennsylvania to the 



1 Concerning General Hand and his appointment to com- 
mand at Fort Pitt, see Thwaites and Kellogg, Revolution on 
the Upper Ohio (Madison, 1908), p. 256. He arrived Jmie i, 
escorted by a troop of Westmoreland lighthorse militia. — Ed. 
1 



2 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

public injury.- The Love of our Country will I trust, 
teach us to forget all Invidious distinctions & to pay 
the proper attention to merit, unconfined to Party, we 
shall do the most essential Service to the Common 
weal by Carefully avoiding the giving any just cause 
of offence to the Indians. Should a General war with 
the savages be inevitable, I have the highest Confi- 
dence in the fortitude of the Militia & their Zeal for 
the public Service, which Comprehends their dearest 
Interests. The knowledge I have formed of the Coun- 
try & its Inhabitants by a long residence at Fort Pitt, 
renders my present Command highly pleasing to me.^ 
Happy should I be if I can Conduce by my Labours to 
the Safety of the Frontier. Congress hath directed 
the removal of the Continental Troops from this Quar- 
ter except the 300 Men to be stationed at Forts Pitt, 
Randolph & the Kittanning* as these Companies are 
not yet Compleated; I expect you will be pleased to 



2 For the boundary dispute between Virginia and Penn- 
sylvania, each claiming the site of Pittsburgh, see Ibid, pp. 18, 
19, — Ed. 

3 General Hand came to America in 1767 with the i8th 
(or Royal Irish) regiment, two companies of which were 
stationed at Fort Pitt 1768-72. There Hand purchased a com- 
mission as ensign in the regiment, which he resigned two 
years later to settle in Lancaster, Pa. — Ed. 

4 Fort Pitt was built not far from the site of the French 
Fort Duquesne not long after the evacuation of the former, 
and was garrisoned by British troops until 1772, when it was 
abandoned by them. In January, 1774, it was restored 
by Virginia authority and rechristened Fort Dunmore, after 
the governor of that colony. At the close of Dunmore's 
War it was again evacuated, until garrisoned by American 
troops under Col. John Neville in the summer of 1775. 

For Fort Randolph, see Thwaites and Kellogg, Dunmore's 
War (Madison, 1905), p. 310, note 27; for Kittanning, Rev. 
Upper Ohio, p. 200, note 39. — Ed. 



HAND TAKES COMMAND 3 

take the most effectual methods in your Power to have 
the posts directed to be occupied on the Frontiers by 
the late Board of Officers, kept up untill some more 
advantageous regulation can take place. If in the 
mean Time any pressing Occasion should demand an 
additional number of the Militia I hope they will be 
in readiness to march on the shortest Notice. 

I rely greatly on your activity & public Zeal & have 
the Honour to be Y^. most obed*. & most Hble. Serv^ 

EwD^ Hand B. G. 
Fort Pitt June 3d. 1777. 

On public Service to Col. David Shepherd at the Mouth 
of Wheeling Ohio County Virginia.^ 



FRONTIER POSTS ON THE OHIO 

[Memorandum, unsigned. 1U54.] 

Fort Pitt June ye 3d 1777 

Memorandum for General Hand of the Difrent 
Post[s] from Wheeling to the Great Kanhaway 

The Kittaning 50 Mile from this Post Garrison^, 
by on[e] Company of the Western Battallion of Con- 
tinentall Troops and a Compy ordered from the West- 
moreland Militia to Releve them^ 

A small Guard of men Consisting of nine at a Stock- 
aid Built at Munters bottom by the Adgecent [adja- 
cent] inhabitants, 



5 For David Shepherd, at this time county-lieutenant for 
the newly-erected Ohio County, see Ibid, p. 196, note 30. — Ed. 

6 The 8th Pennsylvania regiment marched from Kittanning 
in December, 1776, leaving one company to garrison the fort 
at that place. This was an independent company under com- 
mand of Capt. Samuel Moorhead. See a letter dated June 
4, 1777, from General Hand to Colonel Lochry, concerning 
supplies for this post, in Mrs. Mary C. Darlington, Fort 
Pitt and Letters from the Frontier (Pittsburgh, 1892), 
p. 223. — Ed. 



4 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

at a place Call^. Rordons bottom about 40 Miles be- 
low this post an Officer and 15 men 

at the Mouth of Yellow Creek' fifteen Miles below 
the Last mentioned Place Built by the inhabitants an 
officer and 20 men 

at the Mingo Bottom^ 20 below Yellow Creek a 
Lieut, of the Regelers and 18 men, to be releved if not 
alredy don by Milititia 

at Wheeling^ a Company of Boutt [Botetourt?] 
Militia 

at the Mouth of Grave Creek twelve Miles below 
Wheeling a Company of Ohio County Militia^'^ 



"^ Yellow Creek was the scene of the massacre of Logan's 
family, three years before the building of this fort. See 
Dunmore's War, pp. 17-19. — Ed. 

8 Mingo Bottom was on the west side of the Ohio, where 
the town of Mingo Junction now is. Probably the fort was 
opposite, on the Virginia side of the river, which may like- 
wise have been called Mingo Bottom. The locality took its 
name from a town of Mingo Indians established there during 
the French and Indian War. Croghan in 1765 speaks of it 
as a "Seneca village" on a high bank on the north shore. 
When Washington passed in 1770 there were twenty cabins 
and about seventy inhabitants. Rev. David Jones in 1772 
says the people of this town were wont to plunder canoes, 
and that he was happy enough to pass in the night undiscov- 
ered. The raiding of this band of robbers was one of the 
inciting causes of Dunmore's War. Before that war they had 
abandoned their town near Cross Creek, and retreated to the 
headwaters of the Scioto. There Wood visited them the fol- 
lowing year — see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 48, note yy; also p. 217. 
The locality of their former town on the Ohio retained its 
name. It was the rendezvous both for the Moravian expedi- 
tion and that of Crawford in the latter part of the Revolu- 
tion. An important Indian trail led thence to the Muskingum 
towns ; hence the necessity of the garrison here noted. — Ed. 

9 For the garrison at Wheeling, see Rev. Upper Ohio, 
pp. 232, 242-244. — Ed. 

10 For this garrison, commanded by Capt. William Harrod, 
see Ibid, index. It was abandoned in July, 1777, the troops 
being concentrated at Wheeling. — Ed. 



MURDER BY INDIANS 5 

at the Great Kanhaway 2 Compy. of Regalors one 
hundred Each to releve by Militia^^ 



NEWS FROM FORT PITT 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Jasper Yeates. Original MS. in New 
York Public Library; Hand Papers^- — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt lo^h. of June 1777 
Dear Yeates — Since I wrote to Kitty^^ by Col : 
Morgan^* nothing has happened in this part of the 
World worth notice except the murder of One man 
on the evening of the 7**". Instant at wheeling^^, I sup- 
pose by a part of the Pluggys town Gang^*^. the 



11 For a sketch of Fort Randolph, at the mouth of the 
Great Kanawha River, see Ibid, p. 185, note 18. Of the two 
companies one was from Virginia, under Capt. Matthew 
Arbuckle ; one from Pennsylvania, under Capt. John Robin- 
son. Ibid, pp. 230, 231, 239-24 T. — Ed. 

12 A portion of the Hand Papers which are among the 
Draper MSS. are in the form of transcripts made in 1852 
by Dr. Draper. The originals of a number of these, how- 
ever, are now in the New York Public Library, whose 
director, Dr. John S. Billings, has kindly furnished us with 
fresh transcripts thereof, and these are followed in the pres- 
ent volume. 

For a brief sketch of Jasper Yeates, who was commissioner 
for the treaty of 1775, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 191, note 
25.— Ed. 

13 Kitty (Catherine Ewing) was Mrs. Edward Hand. She 
was a niece of Jasper Yeates, whose sister Sarah was her 
mother. General Fland was married in 1775; his wife died 
in 1805, aged fifty-four years. — Ed. 

1* George Morgan, Indian agent, who had gone to Phila- 
delphia to consult with Congress on the Indian situation. For 
a sketch, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 31, note 59. — Ed. 

15 The man whose murder is here mentioned was Thomas 
McCleary, a member of Captain Van Meter's company, who 
with one comrade had gone fishing up Wheeling Creek. For 
details, see Pennsylvania Archives, ist series, v, p. 445. — Ed. 

16 For the hostilities committed by this band of Indians and 
the expedition against their town planned and then aban- 
doned, see Rev. Upper Ohio, passim. — Ed. 



6 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Chiefs of the wiandots & Mingos are expect [ed] to 
Assemble here towards the end of next month, hope 
that nest may be removed. I have seen an Address 
from some of the Principle Inhabitants of Philad^ to 
the Inhabitants of Westmoreland, inclosing A Coppy 
of one to the Board of War & Assembly of Pennsyl- 
vania, & the Boards Ans"" when I saw it there was 
but two Signers. I am tomorrow to Attend A Genl 
Meeting of Militia Officers at Catfish's Camp^^ it is 
not unprobable that the Congress will send Commis- 
sioners to meet the indians at the Approaching Treaty 
I beg my love to every body & am D'^. Yeates most 
Affectionately yours 

Edw^. Hand 
Jasper Yeates Esq^. 

A great Part of the most Valuable stores are Arived 
the rem^. to be at Hanna's Town^^ to day. the Gar- 



i'' Catfish's Camp was, the early name for the white settle- 
ment on the site of the present town of Washington, Pa. 
The land was taken up as early as 1768, and a small settle- 
ment developed, which was augmented during the Indian 
troubles by removals from the Ohio. The name is said to 
have been given in honor of Catfish, a Delaware Indian who 
had his village in this vicinity. At the council of war held 
at this place, it was decided that 200 men, properly armed 
and officered, should be drafted to relieve the militia then on 
duty. June 27, the Monongalia officers held a council to 
make preparations to carry out this draft. Draper MSS., 
I U60. — Ed. 

18 Hannastown was an important station on the road to 
Pittsburgh, being located at the junction of Forbes's road with 
an Indian trail to the Kiskiminitas. In 1773 it was made the 
seat of the newly-erected county of Westmoreland, and was 
the first seat of justice west of the Alleghanies. During 
1774-78 it rivalled Pittsburgh in importance. In 1782 the town 
was captured and completely destroyed by a marauding band 
of Indians. Although partially rebuilt, and remaining the 
county seat until 1786, it never regained its earlier impor- 
tance. — Ed. 



AN INDIAN COUNCIL 7 

rison not Better Supplied with provision than you 
found it. 

Give me leave to introduce Col : Russell the Com- 
mandant of the West Augusta Battalion a very worthy 
man^^. Jessy is Well & Desires his love^^. 

Ed. H. 



COUNCIL AT DETROIT 

[Official report of Hamilton. 49J13 — D. S.21] 
Extract from the Council held at Detroit by the fol- 
lowing Nations — Ottawas, Hurons, Chippewas, Pou- 
teouattamis, Miamis, Shawanese, Delawares, Ottawas 
from Ouashtanon, P out eouatt amis of S^. Joseph^^ 
&ca. 

Detroit 17^11 June 1777 
Governor Hamilton opened the Council in the usual 
form ; and then inform'd the different nations of his 



19 For a brief biographical sketch of Col. William Russell, 
see Dunmore's War, p. 6, note 9. — Ed. 

20 Jasper (called Jesse) Ewing was a brother of Mrs. Ed- 
ward Hand, and was born in 1753 at Lancaster. In 1776, he 
joined the Continental army, and being commissioned a 
second-lieutenant, took part in the battle of Long Island. 
When General Hand went to Pittsburgh, he took with him 
as aide-de-camp his brother-in-law, who had been promoted 
to be brigade-major. After the Revolution, Major Ewing 
removed to Northumberland County, where he served as 
prothonotary, and died in 1800. — Ed. 

21 This manuscript report of the council was prepared at 
the instigation of Gov. Henry Hamilton (for whom see Rev. 
Upper Ohio, p. 135, note 36), signed by himself, and captured 
when Vincennes was taken by Col. George Rogers Clark 
(Feb. 24, 1779). Clark kept the paper, which passed with his 
collection to the keeping of the Wisconsin Historical Society. 
Hamilton's brief letter on this subject, to his superior at 
Quebec, is printed in Wis. Hist. Colls., xii, p. 45. — Ed. 

22 For these tribes, formerly allies of the French, but 
now of the British government of Canada, see Rev. Upper 
Ohio, index. — Ed. 



8 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

intent in calling them together ; which he s^. was prin- 
cipally to strengthen the alliance he form'd with them 
last year^^, to inform them of what had come to his 
knowledge regarding them, to know their sentiments 
and lastly to be of any service to them that lay in his 
power. 

The Kings Health was then drank by all present. 
Then some Belts from the Six Nations address'd to 
the Western Confederacy were shewn & explained. 
Chiefly exhortations to their Brethren to fullfill the 
many promises they had made & the Engagements 
they had enterd into to support His Majesty & Gov- 
ernment.^* Gov*". Hamilton then gave them an ac- 
count of the great Success of His Majestys Arms 
over his rebellious Subjects in many places, & of their 
obstinate disobedience, of their threats regarding the 
Indians, & lastly that their Brethren from Michili- 
mackinac,-^ & the Six Nations &^. were permitted & 
had taken up the Hatchet, and finish'd by telling 
them he would next day inform them of his real Sen- 
timents. The Indians thank'd him for what he in- 



23 See Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 202. — Ed. 

24 The Six Nations (Iroquois) were at the beginning of the 
Revolution inclined to remain neutral. Several chiefs attended 
the treaty at Pittsburgh in 1775 (Ibid, pp. 25-135, 159-167), 
and the Seneca in particular were favorable to the American 
cause. The British agents from Canada, however, exerted 
their influence to good efifect. Col. Guy Johnson wrote that 
in April, 1777. the Six Nations had called in and assembled 
all of their people in order to make a diversion on the fron- 
tiers of New York and Pennsylvania, agreeable to the mes- 
sages he had sent. See N. Y. Colonial Documents, viii, 
pp. 711, 712. — Ed. 

25 For the Indians at Mackinac and their gathering for 
assistance to the British, see Wis. Hist. Colls., xviii, pp. 357, 
358, and references there cited. — Ed. 



3 H 







^ I i 4 



^ 



5 '\. 



K 




> 



^^ ^ K ^ ^ 4 



AN INDIAN COUNCIL 9 

formd them of & said when they heard his sentiments 
next day, he should know theirs. 

1 8 June Being assembled as before, G[overnor] 
H[amilton] Told the English & french Gentlemen, 
that he was authorised to put the Hatchet into the 
Hands of the Indians, and expected an implicit obe- 
dience to the orders of His Majesty.-® He then in- 
formd the Indians of what he thought they should do 
upon the occasion, shewed them the Hatchet then 
Sung the War Song — as did M'' Hay, Depu^ agent,-^ 
the officers of the Garrison, all the Nations present, & 
some of the French & English. G[overnor] Hamilton 
then thanked them for their Zeal and Unanimity, & 
adjournd to the open Field, to a feast prepared for 
the purpose, and appointed next morning to meet three 
or four Chiefs of each Nation to meet him at his own 
House. 

19**^ Being assembled according to adjournment, 
Gov^. Hamilton gave some things & Belts of 
Wam[pum] to cover & bury in oblivion the Murder of 
an Ottawa, killd here last winter by a Chippawa, to 



26 Hamilton's orders from headquarters must have ar- 
rived between the 15th and i8th of June. On the former date 
he wrote Carleton that the Indians had come to council and 
he should retain them as long as possible, pending orders ; 
see Wis. Hist. Colls., xii, p. 46. These orders were sent from 
Quebec, May 21st; see letter of Carleton, with enclosure 
from Lord George Germaine, Id, xi, pp. 175, 176, giving ex- 
plicit directions to urge the Western nations upon the war- 
path. As this was in response to a request from Hamilton 
to be permitted to do so, it may be considered that the 
project originated at Detroit, and this partially accounts for 
the frontier hatred of Hamilton, who was called "hair- 
buyer," because of his custom of paying for American 
scalps. — Ed. 

27 For Jehu Hay, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 130, note 27. — Ed. 



10 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

prevent any animosity from existing after they had so 
unanimously joined to take up the Hatchet. Then in- 
formed them of a Message the Chiefs of the Miamees 
rec^. the night before ; Shewing the perfidy of the Vir- 
ginians, & the threats they had made use of against 
the Indian Nations in general and the Kings Troops at 
this place ending with a declaration of their not want- 
ing to be at peace with the one or the other. The Mi- 
amee Chiefs declared this to be the purport of the 
Message sent them by their Nation. The Huron Na- 
tion was then pitched upon by all the rest to be the 
guardians of the Hatchet ;^^ all declaring they had 
taken it up with an intent to hold it fast, untill desired 
to lay it down. Equeshawey^^ then expressed his hap- 
piness at seeing all his Brethren the Indians so unani- 
mous — that he had just arrived from the Wabach 
where he had been to conduct his Father G[overnor] 
Abbott^^ that he had not seen anything bad on his voy- 



28 Americans called the Huron Indians. Wyandot. See Ibid, 
p. 36, note 62. — Ed. 

-9 An Ottawa chief, head of the tribe residing near Detroit. 
He was a faithful adherent of the British, attended all of 
their councils, and accompanied Hamilton to Vincennes in 
1778. He was in the town when Clark arrived there, but 
escaped with Isadore Chene. In 1794, he was wounded at 
Fort Recovery, but was able to take part in the battle against 
Wayne. The following year he signed the treaty of Green- 
ville. The last mention noted was in 1808, so that he prob- 
ably died before the battle of Tippecanoe. — Ed. 

^'^ Edward Abbott was a British artillery officer. He came 
early to the Northwest, being in Detroit soon after the close 
of the French regime. In 1775 he was commissioned Indian 
agent for the Crown on the Ohio ; and in the spring of 1777 
was sent to command at Vincennes, where he was the first 
and only British governor. He remained there less than a 
year, being summoned to Detroit in Februar}^ 1778. While 
at Vincennes he built Fort Sackville, which was captured in 



AN INDIAN COUNCIL 11 

age ; on the contrary all the Nations shew'd an inclina- 
tion to obey the will of their Father. G[overnor] 
H[amilton] thankd them all & particularly the Hu- 
rons as Guardians of the Ax & appointed 

20 G[overnor] H[amilton] told the diff^ Nations 
the Method he thought they should proceed in in mak- 
ing war and informd them of the diff^ armeys that 
were to attack the Rebells this Summer which he de- 
sired them to consider of & let him know the Chiefs 
& Warriors ready to go, & also to name a Chief or two 
& some young Men to go to Niagara where they would 
see their Bre". the Six Nations Si'^. &^. were acting the 
same part — adjour^. till next day. 

21^*^ According to adjournment, the above Nations 
came & named their War Chief & young men then 
ready for war, and an ax was presented for each Na- 
tion to be deliv^. when they all should meet in a day or 
two L* CaldwelP^ was named to accop". the few that 



1779 by Clark. In July, 1778, Abbott was recalled from the 
West and sent by General Haldimand to the West Indies. 
His name appears in the army Hsts until 1788. At the time 
he commanded at Vincennes, Abbott was captain-lieutenant. 
He seems to have been a brave and humane officer. His pro- 
test to Haldimand against the employment of Indians on the 
frontiers does him credit. See Mich. Pion. Sr Hist. Colls., 
ix, pp. 488, 489. His letters from Vincennes are printed in 
///. Hist. Colls., i, pp. 313-318. — Ed. 

31 William Caldwell was an Irishman and came to Pennsyl- 
vania before the Revolution. Having taken part in Dun- 
more's War, he was, after the outbreak of the Revolution, 
employed by Lord Dunmore to carry dispatches ; and suc- 
ceeded in escaping from the Americans and reaching Niagara. 
There he raised a company for Butler's Rangers, which was 
sent in 1776 to Detroit. The following year (probably at the 
time indicated in this document), Caldwell was sent back to 
Niagara, where he participated in the siege of Fort Stanwix 
and the raids against Wyoming and Cherry Valley. In 1781 



12 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

were going to Niagara Jehu Hay D*y. [deputy] 
agent to conduct the whole when they acted in a body, 
& many others who had offerd to serve his Majesty 
upon this occasion, to accompany them when in small 
parties. G[overnor] H[amilton] then as upon several 
other occasions recommended it to all the Nations to 
remember they were men, & were desired to make war 
against men, and not against women or Children, and 
to forbear to dip their hands in the blood of the two 
latter — adjourn'd to Monday 23^. but it being bad 
weather & some other Indians being arrived did not 
meet till 24^^ 

G[overnor] H[amilton] Returned thanks to the 
Chiefs & young men for their orderly behaviour since 



he returned to Detroit, and in the summer of the next year 
was commander of the force that defeated Col. William 
Crawford at Sandusky, wherein Caldwell was himself 
wounded. After recovering he went out with the army that 
in 1782 penetrated Kentucky, besieged Bryant's Station, and 
defeated the Americans at Blue Licks. After the close of 
the war Caldwell was retained in the British Indian depart- 
ment, and is said to have been in the army that was defeated 
in 1794 by Wayne. Upon the American occupation of De- 
troit, Caldwell removed to Maiden and laid out a town near 
the mouth of the river. Here he was justice of the peace 
and colonel of the militia. In 1812 he was quartermaster 
general and associated with General Brock in the capture of 
Detroit. In 1814, upon the retirement of Matthew Elliott, 
Caldwell was made superintendent of the British Indian de- 
partment, from which office he retired two years later, after 
a disagreement with the military commandant. Caldwell was 
popular with the Indians, and his half-breed son, Billy Cald- 
well, became a Potawatomi chief. His other sons (William, 
James, and Thomas) served under the British in the War of 
1812-15. Two of them, were still living in 1863, and related 
to Dr. Draper incidents from their father's career (Draper 
MSS., 17 S). The elder Caldwell died in 1822 at his Canadian 
home, aged seventy-five years. He was one of the most 
noted border partisans of the West. — Ed. 



AN INDIAN COUNCIL 13 

the commencement of the Council — then shewed them 
EngHsh & french Gentlemen who had offered to serve 
as Officers & private men upon this occasion. Then 
deliv^. a War Hatchet to each Nation which they 
receivd & Sung the War Song then some Merchandize 
was shewn them destined to Cover their old men 
women & Children, & G[overnor] H[amilton] told 
them they should be furnish'd with ammunition &^. 
necessary for their Y^. Men G[overnor] H[amilton] 
delivered them his thanks for their unanimity & pro- 
fessions of friendship, and as soon as the division of 
pres^^ was over G[overnor] H[amilton] told them he 
would give each nation a Bullock to make a feast & 
would visit them turn about beginning with the Otta- 
was then closed the Council. 

Since"^^ the closing the council, I have been at the 
War feast of each nation, and the greatest decency 
and alacrity has appeared. 30*^^. of June most of the 
Nations had brought in their Sticks for the number of 
Warriors,^^ and in a Month I dont question one thou- 
sand Warriors going against the Frontiers. at the 
same time I have exhorted them to act vigorously, I 
have endeavored to teach them to spare Old Age 
Women and Children 

Henry Hamilton 
Endorsed : Extract of a Council held at Detroit 17 June 1777. 



32 The following paragraph was written by Hamilton, and 
closes with his autograph signature. — Ed. 

33 This was the Indian method of making an official count. 
At treaties, councils, or where presents or annuities were to 
be paid, one stick was presented to the agent for each mem- 
ber of an Indian family. Hamilton means at this point that 
the chiefs gave him an enumeration of the number of war- 
riors ready to take the field. — Ed. 



14 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

HAMILTON'S PROCLAMATION 

[Hamilton to American frontiersmen. 45J62 — D. S.] 

Detroit 24*'! June, 1777. 

By virtue of the power and authority to me given 
by his Excellency Sir Guy Carleton Knight of the 
Bath, Governor of the province of Quebec, General 
and Commandant in chief, &c. &c. &c. 

I do assure all such as are inclined to withdraw 
themselves from the Tyranny and oppression of the 
rebel Committees, & take refuge in this Settlement, or 
any of the Posts commanded by his Majesty's Officers, 
shall be humanely treated, shall be lodged and vic- 
tualled, and such as come off in arms & shall use them 
in defence of his Majesty against Rebels and Traytors, 
'till the extinction of this rebellion, shall receive pay 
adequate to their former Stations in the rebel service, 
and all common men who shall serve during that per- 
iod, shall receive his Majesty's bounty of two hun- 
dred acres of Land. 

Given under my hand & Seal God save the King 
Henry Hamilton, 
Lieut*^. Gov^: and Superintendent"^* 



EVENTS NEAR FORT PITT 

[Calendar of letters and documents. 1U56, 58, 59; 3NN46, 
June 19-30-] 
June 19. David Shepherd writes from Wheeling 
that "the Indians has not come to see us Since our 



34 A number of these proclamations were prepared by 
Hamilton, and given to the custody of the Indian bands at- 
tacking the frontiers of the colonies. They left them on 
doorsteps, and beside the bodies of their victims. See letters 
post. — Ed. 



DEPREDATIONS CONTINUE 15 

Meeting at the Council [at Catfish Camp], and hope 
they Never May until we are Ready to Return them 
the Compliment." 

The same day, Samuel Moorhead writes from the 
fort at Kittanning that he finds the garrison badly off 
for stores and shelter, and that the fort is commanded 
by a hill two or three hundred feet distant. 

June 21. Pluggy's Town gang, led by that Indian's 
son, of whose approach the Delaware Chief Killbuck^'^ 
had warned General Hand, killed two men on Alle- 
gheny River about twenty miles above Pittsburgh. 
Hand thinks no remedy will be efficacious but a coun- 
ter stroke upon their town. 

June 22. William Zane^^ writes from Fort Henry 
that being more than sixty years old, with a constitu- 
tion much shattered by five years' captivity in Brad- 
dock's war, the loss of his negro carried off by the 
Indians deprives him of means of support. He re- 



35 For a brief biography of this chief, see Rev. Upper Ohio, 
p. 38, note 64. Throughout the early years of the war, he 
was a staunch friend of the American colonists, and fre- 
quently warned them of the approach of hostile Indian 
bands. — Ed. 

36 William Zane was probably the father of the well- 
known Zane brothers, the first settlers of Wheeling. William 
was a descendant of Robert Zane, who emigrated to America 
in 1673 and settled at Newton, N. J. It is supposed that the 
latter's first wife, grandmother of William, was of Indian 
origin. William was born in 1712. Breaking with the sect 
of Quakers to which his ancestors belonged, he removed to 
the South branch of the Potomac, in the present Berkeley 
County, West Virginia. His son Isaac was captured at this 
place, possibly at the time of the captivity of which his father 
speaks. The other sons, Ebenezer, Silas, Jonathan, and An- 
drew, were early upon the Ohio, and all settled near 
Wheeling. — Ed. 



16 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

quests General Hand to secure the return of this man 
if the Indians make peace. 

June 30. General Hand writes to his wife : "Noth- 
ing bad has yet happened since the affair of the 21st. 
A number of Chippewas & Thawa [Ottawa] Indians 
have been here to profess much friendship; they also 
offered their mediation to remove the banditti that in- 
fests our frontier, which I accepted with pleasure." 



VIRGINIA MILITIA ORDERED OUT 

[Gov. Patrick Henry to Gen. Edward Hand. 15ZZ7 — L. S.] 

Williamsburg July 3d 1777. 
Sir — By the constitution of this Commonwealth no 
Militia can be embody'd but by orders from the Exe- 
cutive Power, except in Case of Invasion or Insurrec- 
tion; and when embody'd such Militia is under the 
sole Direction of the Governour. I do not make this 
observation with any View to counteract you, very far 
otherwise. I shall be made happy in forwarding your 
Designs to protect and secure the Frontiers from those 
dangerous Incursions by means of which our People 
suffer so much, and so great Diversion is made of our 
best Men from the main Object. But I am constrained 
by my Duty, by the Oath of my Office, to claim the 
supreme command of all the Militia which are or may 
be embody'd in the State. Altho' I do this on the pres- 
ent Occasion, and shall certainly do the like on every 
similar one, yet I beg leave to assure you. Sir, that I 
shall most gladly contribute all in my Power to render 
effectual every Plan calculated to promote the general 
Good ; and I do hereby empower you to call for the 
number of Men necessary for defending the Frontiers 



MILITIA CALLED OUT 17 

from the County of Yohogany, Monongalia, Ohio, 
Hampshire, Botetourt, Augusta, Dunmore and Fred- 
erick until further Orders. 

The Resolution of Congress respecting the Lead, 
never came to Hand 'til yesterday. Orders will be sent 
for its Delivery without loss of Time. Several Tons 
were long since ordered for the militia in your Parts. 
The Resolution for the artillery going to Fort Pitt, is 
not yet received. 

Col°. Aylett,-^^ who lives in this Town, is appointed 
Commissary to supply the Western Garrisons with 
Provisions. His Appointment came to my Hands 
from the War-office yesterday, and is communicated 
to him. I doubt some time will pass before M^. Aylett 
can take the necessary Steps for furnishing Provi- 
sions, and in the mean Time M^. Morgan perhaps can 
supply them. There seems no other chance to get 
them. 

You will please to direct the Militia already em- 
body'd to continue in Service so long as you think 
there is occasion for them, and make such other neces- 
sary Draughts from the above Counties as Exigencies 
may require, giving me notice thereof from Time to 
Time, and of the reasons that induce you to make 
them. 



37 Col. William Aylett belonged to a distinguished Virginia 
family, intermarried with the Washingtons, Lees, Dandridges, 
etc. Born in 1743, he was a member of the House of Bur- 
gesses (1772-74), and delegate from King William County 
to the conventions of 1775 and 1776. He resigned from the 
latter May 22, having been chosen deputy commissary-general 
by the Continental Congress. He served in this capacity until 
his sudden death in April, 1780. His home was at "Fair- 
field," and here he frequently entertained Washington and 
the Lees on their way to Williamsburgh. — Ed. 
2 



18 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

The chastising of Pluggy's Town seems to me abso- 
lutely necessary, but is submitted to you, as being bet- 
ter enabled to judge on the Spot. 

I have the Honor to be Sir Y^. mo. ob^ & very hble 
serv^ P. Henry. 

To Brigadier General Edward Hand at Pittsburgh 



[Gov. Patrick Henry to Col. David Shepherd. 1SS61 — 
A. L. S.] 

Sir — You are hereby required to raise so many of 
the Militia of your County as General Hand may de- 
mand for the Protection of the Frontiers of this State. 
I am Sir Your mo. Hble Serv*. P. Henry. 

Wms.BURGH July 3. 1777. 

County Lieutenant of Ohio 



[Col. Zackwell Morgan^s to Gen. Edward Hand. Calendar 
of 1U63— A. L. S.] 

Letter dated Monongalia July 8, 1777, says that the 
militia of his county will be drafted in a few days. 
He has placed Maj. James Chew^^ in command. Spies 
are ranging, and one company is apprehending de- 
serters. 



GENERAL HAND WARNED 

[David Zeisberger to Col. George Morgan. Calendar of 
3NN11-13 — Transcript by Draper.] 

Letter dated Cuchachunk*'^ July 7, 1777, says that 



38 For Col. Zackwell Morgan, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 230, 
note 71. — Ed. 

39 Maj. James Chew is noted Ihid, p. 246, note 88. — Ed. 

^^ For Zeisberger see Ihid, p. 45, note 71. The town was on 
the site of that now known as Coshocton, for which see Ihid, 
p. 46, note yz- — Ed. 



BRITISH AGENTS BUSY 19 

the messengers sent to Pluggy's Town and Sandusky 
met a hostile band of Mingo, Wyandot, and Mohican 
bound towards WheeHng. They did not go to war of 
their own wish, but because ordered to do so by the 
governor at Detroit. Later the messengers met John 
Montour,*^ who described the Detroit treaty, where 
the governor was painted and dressed Hke an Indian, 
and presented a large black belt painted red, sent by 
the Six Nations. Colonel Morgan is urged to come to 
Cuchachunk, for the Wyandot will not go to the treaty 
at Pittsburgh; they will, however, come to the former 
place. '^- 



[Gen. Edward Hand to Jasper Yeates. MS. in New York 
Public Library; Hand Papers — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt 12*^. July 1777 
Dear Yeates — I can not for my life find out the 
Intention of the Indians, but believe they will be gouv- 
erned by the Success of the British arms against us. 
if they turn out too strong for us the Indians will join 
them, if the Contrary, they will sit still, we cant 
furnish the Articles necessary for trade Consequently 
the Indians will not Attempt anything Against the 
English. I inclose you a Coppy of a letter I this day 
rec^. from Cushakunk,*^ you will See how busie the 
British Agents are to engage the Savages to depopu- 
late the Frontiers, there is a Treaty now holding at 



*^ For John Montour and his presence at Detroit in 1776, 
see Ibid, pp. 28, 202. — Ed. 

*- Morgan, who was Indian agent at Pittsburgh, had gone 
to Philadelphia to report to Congress. — Ed. 

"^3 See preceding document for letter referred to. — Ed. 



20 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Oswego, to which Col : Butler has Cal'd the Indians.** 
they say they dont know what he intends by it, but 
think if the English Attempt Our Frontiers it will be 
by the way of the Susquehana. two Tribes of the 
Shawanese declare for us, two are against us,*^ the 
Wiandats also are evidently our Enemies. All other 
nations that I have heard from declare they will be at 
peace. 

I wish much to hear from Lancaster, and to learn 
how the Armies in the field proceed. I have not now 
time to ans'*. Jacky Ewings letter would be glad to 
Ans'" two together, Col: Morg[an's] Absence gives 
me infinite trouble, there are now here upwards of 
50 Indians of Diff*^. Tribes. Jessy Ewing Joyns me in 
Duty, Love & Comp*^ to All I am D''. Yeates most 
Affectionately Yours Edw^. Hand 

Jasper Yeates Esq^. 



44 The treaty of Oswego was held preliminary to St. Leger's 
operations against Fort Stanwix. It was called early in July 
by Col. John Butler (for whom see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 152, 
note 67), and was attended by Sir John Johnson and several 
Loyalist officers. See British accounts in N. Y. Colon. Docs., 
viii, pp. 719, 724. These corroborate the account of the Sen- 
eca chief Blacksnake (Draper MSS., 16F115-117) that the 
Seneca particularly were averse to going to war, but were 
urged thereto by the Mohawk chief Joseph Brant. See also 
Journals of the Provincial Congress [etc. of Ne w York] 
(Albany, 1842), i, pp. 1006, 1007, 1025, for reports of this 
council at Oswego, given by Oneida Indians and the com- 
mandant of Fort Schuyler. The attitude of the Six Nations 
had a powerful influence on the Western tribes. — Ed. 

45 The four tribes or clans of the Shawnee were the Kisca- 
poo (Kishapocoke), Piqua, Chillicothe, and Mequochoke. Of 
these the two first-named were hostile, being located farthest 
from the colonial frontier, and nearest the sphere of British 
influence. — Ed. 



A PUNITIVE EXPEDITION 21 

WAR PARTIES STRIKE THE FRONTIER 

[Calendar of letters. 1U64-67, 71, 72, July 14-20.] 
July 14. At 8 o'clock Capt. John Minor writes 
from Fort Stradler*^ to Col. Zackwell Morgan that 
three men have just come in who escaped from a party 
of Indians, twenty at least ; that Jacob Farmer's house 
was fired, he and Nathan Wirly [Worley] killed, and 
three children captured. "We shall march after them 
in Less than an hour." 

July 15. Col. Zackwell Morgan sends the above 
letter by express to General Hand, giving account of 
mischief done on Dunkards Creek. "Is not this 
Cruel, While those Savage Nations are coming to treat 
with your Excellency Pray for God sake Send me 
full Instructions." 

July 17. Capt. Samuel Mason writes from Fort 
Henry of an attack on the 13th at Grave Creek. Lieu- 
tenant Tomlinson*^ sallied out with twenty odd men 
and followed the Indians, who had driven off many 
horses; the pursuing party took canoes and dropped 
down to Sunfish Creek, ^^ where they found the trail. 



46 This was properly Fort Statler, so called from a family 
of that name. It was a blockhouse located on the waters of 
Dunkard Creek, a western tributary of the Monongahela. 
Statler's Fort was in the present Monongalia County, W. Va., 
just south of the Pennsylvania border. 

For Capt. John Minor, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 235, note 
70. — Ed. 

/ 4'^ This was Lieut. Samuel Tomlinson, brother of Joseph 
/(whose children were interviewed by Draper in 1846 — 3S164- 
[166). He came to the Grave Creek neighborhood about 1771, 
! served as lieutenant in Captain Mason's company, and was 
I killed in the attack on Fort Henry, Sept. i, 1777, — Ed. 

48 Sunfish Creek is five miles below Fish Creek, in Monroe 
County, Ohio, and comes into the Ohio from the west. The 



22 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Coming upon their camp-fires after dark, one of their 
guns went off by accident, whereupon fearful of being 
surrounded, the party of whites retreated to Grave 
Creek Fort, and sent word to Col. David Shepherd. 
The latter sent Mason with fifty men in pursuit. On 
the 15th they went to where the former party had 
found the Indian Camp, but seeing it had been de- 
serted two days, thought it needless to continue the 
pursuit. Returning by canoe they were surprised by 
three separate volleys from Indians concealed on the 
left bank. After reaching the Indian shore, random 
shots and some conversation ensued. The Indians 
called out that they were Delaware and some Shaw- 
nee; apparently they were twenty-five or thirty in 
number. After dark the whites pushed up stream, 
crossed, and lay on their arms all night. Seeing moc- 
casin tracks, they followed them toward Grave Creek, 
only to find that these signs were of Captain Pigman^^ 
with a party of fifteen returning from a scout to Little 
Kanawha. ''The Boys seem'd very anxious to Action 
for further particulars you may be inform'd exactly 
by the Bearer M^. Hoseae Cam S''." As Captain Van 
Metre^^ talks of being removed, it would be well if 



earlier settlers called the right bank of the Ohio the "Indian 
shore," since by the Treaty of Fort Stanwix it formed the 
southern boundary of their unceded territory. — Ed. 

49 For Capt. Jesse Pigman, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 235. — Ed. 

^^ Capt. John Van Meter, son of Henry, an early settler 
west of the mountains, was born about 1738. In 1771 he 
owned 300 acres at the site of the present town of Waynes- 
burg, Greene County, Pa. Early in the Revolution he com- 
manded a company of rangers from Westmoreland. Later 
he settled in Brooke County, Va., and there died about 1803. 
During the Indian wars his home was raided, his wife and 
daughter being killed, and one son (John) carried captive. 



A PUNITIVE EXPEDITION 23 

Mason should be stationed at Fort Henry ready to 
lead out a pursuing party at short notice. 

In an undated letter Morgan Jones writes to his par- 
ents from Grave Creek full particulars of the actions 
described in the preceding letter. The cattle and 
horses carried off by the savages belonged to Joseph 
Tomlinson, John Harness, Samuel Harries, Zephaniah 
Blackford, Mr. Rogers, and Yates Conwell. The bat- 
tle on Sunfish Creek was on a hill where the whites 
were nearly surrounded. "So I hope you wont fail 
to Come Down with five or six horses with all speed to 
help us up to y"". parts &c. the Sign of Indians is very 
Numerous over the Ohio, having Numbers of Camps 
& one Large Bark Camp Below fish Creek. I was in 
Both the Actions & saw the Signs myself." 

July 19. James Chew took the testimony of two 
spies, Richard Ashcraft and Thomas Carr, who on 
oath declared that they saw tracks supposed to be 
those of a party of seven or eight Indians, on the head- 
waters of Buffalo Creek, making towards Mononga- 
hela River. 

July 20. William Cross writes to Col. Zackwell 
Morgan from Fort Gerrard,^^ which he was guarding 
with twelve men, for reinforcements and ammunition. 

John Corbly^^ writes an undated note to Col. Zack- 



The son never returned to civilization, but in habits and feel- 
ing became partially an Indian. The elder John afterwards 
, married Mrs. Jemima Bukey, mother of the famous spy, 
\Hezekiah Bukey. Their home was on Short Creek. — Ed. 
51 Garard Fort was situated on Big Whiteley Creek, in 
Greene Township, in the Pennsylvania county of the same 
name. — Ed. 

5- John Corbly was a Baptist minister who in 1776 was pas- 
tor at the Goshen Church, near Garard Fort. He was de- 



24 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

well Morgan, that the men will not go scouting with- 
out flour, and asks for an order on Wilson's or Har- 
din's mills. 

July 20. Col. Zackwell Morgan sends to General 
Hand the four preceding papers, and adds that accord- 
ing to the spies' report he sent an express to warn 
Prickett's Fort.^^ They had already been alarmed, 
and were all forted. Morgan hopes that the enemy 
will be disappointed. 'T shall send Major Chew with 
a party on Tuesday next to Scour that part of the 
Country. The Bussy Time of Harvest prevents my do- 
ing it sooner." Captain Minor pursued the party who 
did mischief on Dunkard's Creek, but could do no 
more than recover a drove of cattle. 



[Gen. Edward Hand to President Wharton^*. Summary of 
letter dated Fort Pitt, July 24th, 1777 — printed in Pennsyl- 
vania Colonial Records, v, pp. 443, 444.] 

Sends an account of the late murders and ravages. 
Every day's experience proves that nothing but pene- 
trating the country and destroying the settlements of 
these perfidious miscreants will prevent the depopula- 



voted to the cause of the colonies, and preached vigorous and 
warlike sermons that much heartened the frontiersmen who 
came from many miles around to be his auditors. In May, 
1782, while Corbly and his family were on their way to meet- 
ing, Indians fell upon them and massacred his wife and five 
children. See Thwaites (ed.), Withers's Chronicles of Bor- 
der Warfare (Cincinnati, 1895), pp. 345, 346. — Ed. 

54 Thomas Wharton Jr. was president of the executive 
council of Pennsylvania, and chief officer of that state. For 
another letter of Hand about this date, see Darlington, Fort 
Pitt, pp. 224, 225. — Ed. 

53 For the location of Prickett's Fort, see Rev. Upper Ohio, 
p. 235, note 79.— Ed. 



FRIENDLIES 25 

tion of the frontiers. Has determined to do this as 
soon as he can obtain provisions and men enough to 
ensure success. Needs the miHtia of Westmoreland 
and Bedford counties. ^-^ The Indians are now going 
to a treaty at Oswego, and have lately had one at 
Niagara. Is apprehensive of an attack via the Sus- 
quehanna or toward Albany. 



FRIENDLY INDIAN WARNINGS 

[Capt. Matthew Arbuckle to Col. William Fleming. iU68 — 
A. L. S.] 

Fort Randolph July 26*^'^ 1777 
Sir — Having yesterday received Inteligence from 

the Shawnee Towns by some Indians who I'm Con- 
vinced are as yet our friends, that there has lately been 
a Treaty at Detroit, where all Nations have unani- 
mously agreed to Distress the frontiers as much as in 
their Power, they accepted of the War Belt & Toma- 
hawk and are so near as the Shawnee Towns, where 
they are indeavouring to draw over what Shawnees 
were resolved to remain Neuter they are Invited & 
Encouraged by a French Man & a Wyndott Chief who 
accompanys them. there was a Part of Shawnies 
ready to Come to this Garrison, who upon receiving 
the News from Detroit Postponed their Journey & re- 
paired to the Council. ^^ their first Intentions are to 



55 The two most westerly counties of Pennsylvania. Bed- 
ford was erected in 1771 out of Cumberland; and Westmore- 
land in 1773, out of that portion of Bedford west of Laurel 
Hill — the eleventh and last provincial county. — Ed. 

56 In Draper MSS., 3NN71-73, is a letter from Arbuckle to 
Hand, containing practically the same information as this let- 
ter to Fleming. In it he says that the Shawnee council was 
being held "at the New Town where the Chillicothe Indians 



26 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

De[s]troy this & Whelen Garrisons & then Proceed to 
the frontier Inhabitants. They are resolved if Pos- 
sible to Secure this Place to them selves either by 
Storming the Garrison or Starving us out, from the 
Author of the above information^^ I understand there 
are some Partys now on their way to this Place & they 
suppose their General Attact will be very Shortly 
their method to reduce this Garrison is as follows 
there will a few Indians way lay some of our People a 
hunting Cows or Horses upon which we will Detatch 
a Pretty large Party to Drive them, when they get 
our Party a Sufficient Distance from the Garrison 
Their Main Body will Surround & Destroy them, by 



now live." In an accompanying note, Dr. Draper locates this 
Indian village on the Little Miami, three miles above the 
present site of Xenia. This was later known as Old Town, 
or Old Chillicothe, and had a famous history. Thither Daniel 
Boone was carried captive in 1778 and lived as the adopted 
son of the Chief Blackfish. This was also the town that Col. 
John Bowman marched against, in 1779, and the one burned 
by the Indians on the approach in 1780 of Clark's forces. 
After this last-named date it was practically abandoned. — Ed. 
57 The author of the information was an Indian woman 
known to the whites as the Grenadier Squaw, from her un- 
usual height. Her tribal name was Non-hel-e-ma ; she had 
also been baptized Catherine (hence was called Katy). She 
was a sister of Cornstalk and a woman of note, having a 
village in the Pickaway Plains. See Dunmore's War, p. 301. 
She was attached to the Americans, and frequently brought 
them valuable information. After the death of Cornstalk, 
she abandoned her people, and with forty-eight head of cattle 
and some horses and other property made her way to Fort 
Randolph and dwelt with the garrison, by whom she was fre- 
quently employed as an interpreter. Later she removed to 
the neighborhood of Pittsburgh, where in 1785 she petitioned 
the Indian commissioners for relief and for a grant of land 
on the Scioto, where her family had lived and her mother 
was buried. This petition was referred to Congress, but ap- 
parently was never acted upon. Draper MSS., 3D39. — Ed. 



REPORT FROM ZEISBERGER 27 

which Scheme this Garrison is to Become an easy 
Prey, upon the Strength of this information I have 
Detained M''. Wallace with the remainder of his C°.^^ 
untill farther Orders; or Relieved by the Militia. I 
have Sent the within mentioned Particulars to General 
Hand at Fort Pitt from whom I expect my first In- 
structions.^^ 

I desire if you think Proper that the Governor & 
Council be made acquainted with the Particulars being 
certain it can be conveyed much more expeditiously by 
you than by the General I am S''. with esteem your 
very Humble Serv^ 

Matthew Arbuckle. 



[David Zeisberger to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U69 — A. L. S.] 

CUCHACHUNK July 29th 1777. 

Honour'd Sir — I receiv'd your favor of the 9*^ In- 
stant with the Message to the Counsellers at Cucha- 
chunk which I explained to them. They are allways 
glad to hear from their friends & Brethren at the Fort 



58 Andrew Wallace, son of Peter Jr., and his wife Martha 
Woods, belonged to a well-known Augusta County family. 
He was in 1774 a private in Capt. Murray's company of vol- 
unteers. At the opening of the Revolution he, with several 
of his brothers, enlisted and was lieutenant of the 8th Vir- 
ginia, and later captain of a company in this regiment. In 
1776 he was recruiting for Captain Arbuckle; see Rev. Upper 
Ohio, index. He arrived at Fort Randolph early in the sum- 
mer of 1777, with orders from his colonel to march his men, 
who had re-enlisted in the Continental army, into the settle- 
ments. About twenty had gone, and the rest were detained 
awaiting the return of the pack-horses, as here narrated. 
Lieut. Andrew Wallace joined the Eastern army later, and 
was killed in 1781 at the battle of Guilford. — Ed. 

29 In Arbuckle's letter to Hand, he states that should Lieut. 
Andrew Wallace leave, the garrison would then consist of 
but eighty-seven rank and file. — Ed. 



28 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

& it giveth them new Encouragement to hold fast to 
friendship. I wish therefore that you & Col. Morgan 
might let them hear from you at this critical time as 
often as you can. On the 20*^ this Month the Half 
King of the Wyondats^^ with 19 of his Men arrived 
at Cuchachunk where they had a great Council & after 
they had delivered several Speeches the Half King 
drew out the War Belt with the Tomhawk, told the 
Delawares, that all the Nations on the other Side & 
this Side the Lake had join'd & taken hold of it, that 
the Delawares only had not yet taken hold of & deliv- 
er'd the Belt to them. After they had consulted about 
it they returned it back to the Half King & told him 
that they would mind nothing but sit still & hold fast 
to peace & friendship, that they had promised at a 
Treaty when Peace was concluded after last War that 
they would never fight no more against the white 
people as long as the Sun shineth & the Rivers run & 
that they would keep. The Half King not being 
pleased with this Answer returned the War Belt & 
compelled the Delawares to take it who are yet firm in 
their Mind & stand fast. After the Wyondats were 
gone, they gathered all their Men & Women & admon- 
ished them not to have any thoughts of going to War 
nor to join any of the Warriors when they pass by. 
We now expect nothing else but that after these Wy- 
ondats got home their Warriors will march into the 
Settlements very fast. They desired them to let their 
Warriors not come by the Delaware Towns that they 
should march another Way, but they did not consent 



60 For thi^ chief, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 91, note 14. — Ed. 



REPORT FROM ZEISBERGER 29 

to it & said they will march by Cuchachunk. Capt. 
White Eye will inform you of every thing that has 
passed & how Matters are. No doubt but you will 
encourage them to be strong & to stand fast, for if 
they should give out, we with our Indians could not 
maintain ourselfs here any longer. We wish that an 
Army might soon come out, this would in my Opinion 
be the only Method to get a Peace settled among the 
Nations. 

23 Warriors returned lately from the Settlements 
I heard from Red stone with 3 Prisoners & 3 Scalps & 
7 or 8 horses Last Night we got Intelligence by an 
Indian who came from Sandusky that a Party of 30 
Wyondats & French among them, were not far of [f] 
on their March to the Settlements & will come to 
Cuchachunk perhaps to Day. 

The Delawares flatter themselves that an Army will 
soon come out which is their only Hope yet, but 
should that fail I am afraid they cannot stand, & than 
[then] surely all the Nations, that have not yet joined 
& taken the War Belt, will join them.^^ I beg the 
favour of forwarding the enclosed Letter & you will 
much oblige your sincere friend & humble Serv*. 

D. ZlSEBERGER. 
To His Excellency Edwd Hand 
Genl at Pittsburgh 



61 Governor Hamilton wrote July 17, 1777, that there had 
already gone out fifteen parties, composed of 289 warriors, 
with thirty white officers. See Wis. Hist. Colls., xi, p. 98, 
note. — Ed, 



30 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

SUGGESTIONS FROM GOVERNOR HENRY 

[Gov. Patrick Henry to Gen. Edward Hand. 18J26 — L. S.] 

Wms.BURGH July 27t^ 1777 

Sir — I have this Day rec^. your Despatches by M'". 
Kelly. I was f avor'd with yours a copy of which you 
transmitted by this Express. Col°. Croghan^^ was 
here & about to go up. By him I wrote you an answer 
& together with that sent Letters to the Lieutenants of 
sundry Countys most convenient directing them to 
furnish from Time to Time, Such Requisitions of men 
as you may think the safety of our Frontier, will make 
it necessary for you to call for. In the Letter to you, 
I observed that by the Constitution of Virginia, none 
but the Governor with the Advice of Council had a 
Right to embody the Militia; & that when embodyed, 
the sole Direction of them is given to the Governor. 
And I beg Leave here again to repeat, that I do not 
claim this Power with any Intention to retard your 
Views, but I shall on every Occasion think myself 
happy to forward them & give you every possible Aid 
& Furtherance. Least any of the Letters sent by Col''. 
Croghan should miscarry I herewith send others to the 
Coty Lieutenants in the N". West, desiring their Co- 
operation with you. 

I am very sorry for the Mischief done by the In- 
dians. I was ever of opinion, that the severest Ven- 
geance should be taken on Pluggys People. The Ter- 
ror of their Fate, may serve as a usefull Lesson to the 
neighbouring Tribes. Savages must be managed by 
working on their Fears. No doubt but much address 



'- For a brief sketch, see Diinmore's War, p. 7, note 12. — Ed. 



PATRICK HENRY'S SUGGESTIONS 31 

will be necessary in keeping the other Indians quiet & 
unoffended. I pretend not to point out the proper 
means to effect this, & rely on your Skill & Ability to 
do it. 

Accounts from Kentucki tell me of the most dis- 
tressing & deplorable condition of the surviving In- 
habitants in that Quarter. Your Movements I trust 
will prove the best Defence to them. Two hundred 
men are ordered to their Assistance. *^-^ But it seems 
to me, that offensive operations can alone produce 
Defence ag^ Indians. 

Are not the Six Nations wavering? perhaps the 
progress of the Enemy about Lake George may in- 
cline them against us. 

With Respect to any particular Orders respecting 
the Draft or march of any of the Militia, I cannot give 
them. I must submit the whole Matter to you Sir, & 
I have Confidence that whilst you exert yourself in 
defending the Frontier & chastising the Enemy, you 
will not forget the Domestic concerns of the people 
composing the Militia. Indeed they will do well to 
consider, that the Enemy stands between them, & that 
State of Safety & Repose which I hope awaits them. 

I'm very sorry to find the recruiting Business goes 



63 The latter part of May the three forts of Harrodsburg, 
Boonesborough, and Logan's Station were simultaneously at- 
tacked, and messages of appeal for aid were sent to Virginia 
and Fort Pitt. The relief ordered by Governor Henry was 
two companies of militia, commanded by Col. John Bowman, 
who arrived at Boonesborough August i. While there were 
only about a hundred men in the two companies, their arrival 
brought great hope and comfort to the harassed Kentuck- 
ians. — Ed. 



32 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

on so slowly. I shall write Col"'. CampbelP* on the 
Subject. The Beef & Flour you will want for y^. Ex- 
pedition, no Doubt will be considerable. But I can't 
p[r] event the Sale to the Drovers you Speak of. The 
Lead you spoke of I ordered. The Relief for Fort 
Henry will be ordered by you. I have to desire you 
will favor me with an Acco^ of the State of the 
Frontier as occasions happen, & of every Draught of 
the Militia & the Reason & Design of making it as 
soon as possible, the great Distance making it impos- 
sible to wait for Orders from hence. The Disposition 
of Cap^ Arbuckles men I submit to you. 

You will now find Sir The Choice of Militia given 
you over a great Extent of Country, from which may 
be drawn the most formidable men in the State. I 
confide the dearest Interests of these people to your 
Conduct. Pardon me Sir, for observing the Magni- 
tude of the Trust, which (tho' I have not the pleasure 
of a personal Acquaintance with you) I doubt not will 
be so managed as to redound to your Honor & the 
Happiness of the Frontiers. I need not mention that 
you will take the men from such Countys whose Situ- 
ation & Circumstances will best enable them to Spare 
the proper Soldiers for the Service. I am Sir y"". mo. 

ob*. hble Serv. 

P. Henry. 

P. S. Culpepper County has furnished so many 
men I Should be glad you'd Spare them if possible. 

P. H. 

Brigadier General Edward Hand, Pittsburgh 



^'^ Probably John Campbell, for whom, see Rev. Upper Ohio, 
p. 231, note 74. — Ed, 



CAPTURE OF A FAMILY 33 

I yesterday reed Letters from Gov. Henry he de- 
sires me to act as I think proper with regard to the 
Men at your Post but their being ordered to remain 
where they are prevent the Necessity of any further 
directions at present.®^ 



PROVISIONING THE FORTS 

[George Morgan to David Shepherd. Calendar of 1SS63 — 
A. L. S.] 
From Fort Pitt, July 29, 1777, George Morgan 
writes that he has just returned from Philadelphia 
and desires Colonel Shepherd to provision the garri- 
son at Wheeling and keep accurate accounts therefor. 
Since flour is not to be had in that neighborhood, Mor- 
gan will supply all that is ordered. Wishes Shepherd 
to supply all of the stations in Ohio County. Herd 
the cattle until they are needed for the expedition, 
when salt will be sent. Particulars about accounting 
and issuing. Congress has ordered particular care to 
be taken of the hides and tallow. 



BEAVER CREEK RAID 

[Col. John Gibson to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U70 — A. L. S.] 
Dear General — This Moment two men came in 
here they had Been a Reaping near the Mouth of 
Beaver Creek, they informed me that on going to 
George Bakers^^ house they found every thing de- 



65 This last paragraph was written on the bottom of the let- 
ter by General Hand, who transmitted it either to Col. David 
Shepherd at Wheeling, or Capt. Matthew Arbuckle at Point 
Pleasant. — Ed. 

66 George Baker was of German birth, and coming to Amer- 
ica in 1750 married an English girl. About 1772 they removed 

3 



34 FROxNTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

stroyed and the people Missing, that one of them 
tracked where the Indians went with the Children al- 
most to the River, they found three Letters laying 
Before the door, which they say were wrote at Detroit, 
that upon this they were making the Best of their way 
to this place, when about a Mile from here they saw 
two Indians who Ran of[f] as soon as they Discov- 
ered them, one of the men has the letters having in 
the hurry forgot to Leave them as he went out to pilot 
the party who turned out after them, there is a num- 
ber of the people out from the Fort, probably they 
may have done more mischief. As soon as I Learn 
the particulars shall inform you more fully Bakers 
family Consisted of himself, his Wife and five Chil- 
dren and Lived about four miles from here on the 
Dividing Ridge between the Ohio and Racoon. This 
moment a party of 6 men who went to the mouth of 
Racoon on a Scout, returned they saw Six Indians 
crossing in a Cannoe near the mouth of Beaver Creek 
to the Indian Side, and they were at the place where 
the[y] tied Bakers family with Bark and saw where 
the[y] Crossed the River. Fifteen men will pursue 
in a few minutes, and as there hardly ten men will be 
left here, if a Large party of Indians should be out 
they will be Scarcely able to Defend the Fort. I have 
been taken ill with a Fever last night which Still Con- 



to the Western country and built their cabin as herein de- 
scribed. The entire family were carried captive to Detroit, 
and well-treated while in captivity. Upon their release they 
lived awhile on the south branch of Potomac, and finally came 
back to their home on Raccoon Creek, where Baker died in 
1802. See Joseph H. Bausman, History of Beaver County 
(N. Y., 1904), i, p. 149. — Ed. 



AN EXPECTED ATTACK 35 

tinues, I am not able to pursue with the party. I am 
Dear General with much Respect your most obedient 
humble Serv^ 

Jn°. Gibson^ 

LoGSTOWN July 3i^t. 1777 3 oClock P. M. 
To Brigadier General Hand, Fort Pitt, per Express. 



r67 



[Col. John Gibson to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U73 — A. L. S.] 
Dear General — About an hour agoe a party of In- 
dians fired on a Serj*, 2 men and 2 Boys about 2 miles 
up the River the[y] killed the Sergeant and took one 
of the Boys prisoner, the men Escaped. By two Dela- 
wares who came from Coshachking I wrote you a let- 
ter, By them which least it should Miscarry I have 
sent you this. The Delawares say that 30 Wiandots 
and some french will be here in a Day or two to At- 
tack this Settlement and that a both [sic] number of 
English and french and Indians are on their way to 
Attack Fort Pitt, if White Eyes®^ passes this way he 
will Be in danger of Being killed, it was with the 
utmost Difficulty I prevented one of the men who 
Escaped from killing the Delawares. I think if the 
Accts are true this Small Garrison will Suffer, from 
the present Temper of the Inhabitants they intend to 
fly. I wish a party cou'd be Spared to Bring of[f] 
the Women and Children. I shall Remain here until 
tomorrow morning, if any person comes they had bet- 
ter come this night, they militia all threaten to Leave 
this Immediately. 



67 For a sketch of John Gibson, see Dumnore's War, p. 11, 
note 19. He was at this time forted at Logstown, for which, 
see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 26, note 52. — Ed. 

6^ For White Eyes, see Dumnore's War, p. 29, note 48. — Ed, 



36 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

I am Dear Genl your most humble Serv^ 

Jn''. Gibson 
August i^t 4 oClock P. M. 1777 
To Brigadier General Hand per Express 



SUNDRY RAIDS AND SKIRMISHES 

[Calendar of letters. 1U74-79, 81, 82; 4ZZ10; 3NN146; 
3S76-78; and Darlington's Fort Pitt, p. 226, Aug. 2-13] 

At the beginning of August, reports began to pour 
in to General Hand at Fort Pitt, of simultaneous raids 
in widely-scattered places. 

Aug. 2. Joseph Ogle^^ writes from Beech Bottom 
Fort^*^ that spies having discovered Indians about eight 
miles below this post, his lieutenant and five men went 
in pursuit, met a party of five, within three miles of 
Wheeling, and had a skirmish in which they killed 
and scalped one Indian. This party of aborigines had 
slightly wounded two negroes within three hundred 
yards of Wheeling Fort, whence they were pursued 
but not discovered. The booty was ''A good Rifle Gun 
and his Accuterments and a famous Neet-made Ware 
Club his scalp was Ellegantly Adornd with Three 
fine Rows of Tassels and Feathers." 



69 A family of Ogles were among the earliest settlers of 
Ohio County; of these, Joseph appears to have been the most 
prominent. As captain of a militia company he took part in 
the siege of Fort Henry — see post. In 1781 he commanded a 
company in Brodhead's Coshocton expedition. An autograph 
letter of his (1785) is among the Draper MSS., 4NN101. 
The same year he emigrated to Illinois, where for the remain- 
der of the Indian wars he maintained his reputation as an 
Indian fighter. He died Feb. 24, 1821, in St. Clair County, 
111.— Ed. 

"^ For Beech Bottom Fort, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 243. — Ed. 



RAIDS AND SKIRMISHES 37 

Aug. 2. James Booth^^ writes from Koon Fort to 
Capt. Zedick Springer^^ at Prickett's Fort, that 
Charles Grigsby's wife and child were killed and 
scalped and one person missing on the 31st of July 
from the waters of Elk Creek. ^^ A party of thirteen 
or fourteen intend to pursue the raiders. 

Aug. 4. Col. David Shepherd writes to General 
Hand from Ohio County of the skirmish of the pre- 
ceding Friday, when six scouts attacked and killed 
one of five Indians and put the rest to flight. The peo- 
ple are alarmed and may remove from the frontier. 

Aug. 5. Capt. Samuel Moorhead writes from Kit- 
tanning to General Hand, thanks him for his warn- 
ings, and reports the visit of a Delaware whom he sus- 
pects is a spy. The latter reported having seen the 
writer's brother and Mr. McFarlane^* at Niagara 
twenty days ago. 



"^1 James Booth was one of the early settlers of the Monon- 
gahela region, making his improvement on Booth Creek in 
1771, not far from the present site of Morgantown. He was 
killed by Indians, in the summer of 1778, and his loss was a 
blow to the young community — see Thwaites, Withers's Bor- 
der Warfare, p. 247. Coon Fort was on the land of Joseph 
and Philip Coon in Marion County, W. Va. ; for the exact 
location, see Henry Haymond, Harrison County, W. Va. 
(Morgantown, 1910), p. 64. This fort was kept up until some 
time in 1789 or 1790, when it was abandoned. — Ed, 

■^■2 Zadoc Springer belonged to a German family who emi- 
grated in early days from New Jersey to the Monongahela. 
In 1782 he was a magistrate in Westmoreland County, and 
his sister was the wife of Col. Zackwell Morgan. — Ed. 

■^3 For a more extended account of the raid upon the Grigs- 
by homestead, see Border Warfare, pp. 217, 218. It was sit- 
uated on a branch of Elk Creek in Harrison County, W. Va. 
For the exact location, see Haymond, Harrison County, p. 63. 
The date has usually been given from tradition as June, 1777; 
this document gives the exact time. — Ed. 

^4 For their capture, see Rev. Upper Ohio, pp. 245, 246. — Ed. 



38 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Aug. 7. Dorsey Pentecost, at Greenway/^ sends an 
express to General Hand to inquire concerning a ru- 
mor that a man taken captive last autumn has lately 
escaped from Detroit, and reported to Hand that an 
army of 10,000 to 16,000 Canadians, Indians, and Brit- 
ish are marching toward Pittsburgh. The panic is 
great, and the writer wishes the rumor either con- 
firmed or denied. 

Aug. 8. Samuel Moorhead from Kittanning re- 
ports the desertion of the Indian mentioned in his let- 
ter of the 5th, after stealing a gun and other articles, 
and setting their canoes adrift. If attacked, no in- 
formation can be sent by water. Urges Hand to send 
him more men. On the same date. Hand appointed 
a meeting of militia officers at Ligonier for Monday, 
Aug. 18. 

Aug. II. Arthur Campbell writes from Washing- 
ton County to Col. William Fleming^® that Peter and 
Daniel Harmon, fifty miles down Sandy River,'^^ were 
fired at by an Indian party, thought to be forty or fifty 
in number, from four large canoes drawn up in a small 
creek. The Harmons escaped and warned the inhabi- 
tants. One settler was killed and scalped last Friday, 
near Blackmore's on the Clinch River ;^^ traces of the 
enemy are found along other parts of the Clinch. The 



"^^ For Dorsey Pentecost see Dunmore's War, p. loi, note 
47. "Greenway" was probably somewhere on Youghiogheny 
River, whither Pentecost removed his family during the 
panic of 1777. — Ed. 

"^^ For Arthur Campbell and Col. William Fleming see Ibid, 
p. 39, note 70, and pp. 428, 429, respectively. — Ed. 

^■7 For the Harmon family and their previous scouts in this 
vicinit}^ see Ibid, p. 70. — Ed. 

■^8 For this location, see Ibid, p. 85, note 2>3- — Ed. 



RAIDS AND SKIRMISHES 39 

people are closely forted, and in more distressing cir- 
cumstances than last summer. They need men, provi- 
sions, and salt, and can with difficulty get lead, 
although so near the mines. It is rumored that Point 
Pleasant has been evacuated. Can no plan be made to 
chastise these ravagers ? Can nothing be done at Fort 
Pitt ? Are they to look to Congress or their own state 
for relief? As Fleming is the only representative in 
whom they have confidence, they expect him to make 
some plan to save this back country from total devas- 
tation. 

Aug. 12. Samuel Mason writes General Hand that 
Colonel Shepherd has set men to work, strengthening 
the fort. He found a package of ten proclamations 
from Detroit, but kept them a profound secret, for 
fear that spreading them would be hurtful to the 
cause. 

Aug. 12. Archibald Lochry writes from Twelve 
Mile Run^^ to General Hand that he finds it difficult 



^9 Archibald Lochry (Laughrey, Lockrey, Loughrey) was 
of Scotch-Irish parentage, and born on the frontiers of Penn- 
sylvania. He was justice of the peace for Bedford County, 
and on the organization of Westmoreland (1773) was chosen 
county lieutenant, in which office he acted acceptably until his 
departure for his ill-fated expedition (1781). His home was 
in Unity township, between Greensburgh and Ligonier, on a 
small stream designated in his letters as "Twelve Mile Run"; 
it is, however, no longer so called. In 1781 Lochry raised a 
volunteer expedition to join Gen. George Rogers Clark in his 
operations in the West. Leaving the rendezvous not far from 
Hannastown on July 24, he set out expecting to join Clark at 
Wheeling. Upon reaching this latter place he found Clark 
had gone in advance, and set forth to overtake him. Having 
landed about ten miles below Miami River, to refresh his 
party, Lochry and his men were overpowered by a superior 
force of Indians and obliged to surrender. The commandant 
was one of the first to be killed by a Shawnee tomahawk. 



40 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

to spirit up the people of his county. He has only 
enlisted twenty-five. A substitute has orders to 
range from Laurel Hill to the mouth of Kiskiminitas 
Creek.8^ 

Aug. 13. The inhabitants of a small fort on Buffalo 
Creek write to General Hand requestmg ''your Excel- 
lency to take our distressed case into your serious con- 
sideration, we have at the risk of our lives preserved 
our Crops untill now and last night we heard of a 
party of Indians preparing to cross the river about a 
mile above the Beech bottom Station and we have out 
of what few men we have in the fort amounting in 
the whole to about 20 men, sent 7 to assist in pursuing 
them." Beg to be excused from a draft. ''Signed by 
Tho^ McGuire, Edward Perins^^ and the fort people 
in general." 



His widow afterwards married Capt. Jack Guthrie. Two of 
Lochry's children petitioned Congress for bounty land, and in 
1859 a committee reported favorably upon their claim; see 
35th Cong., ist sess. House Reports, no. 289. — Ed. 

80 Laurel Hill was the eastern boundary of Westmoreland 
County. Kiskiminitas Creek was on the northwestern border, 
and peculiarly exposed to Indian attacks. Along this route 
came the savages who burned and captured Hannastown 
(1782), and during the later Indian wars (1789-95) this re- 
gion was under special stress. A small blockhouse known as 
Reed's Station was erected near the Kiskiminitas during the 
latter period ; at the time of this letter there was no protec- 
tion nearer than Fort Kittanning, some ten miles farther up 
the Allegheny. — Ed. 

^1 Thomas McGuire was an Irish emigrant who settled first 
on the South Branch of Potomac; thence he removed in 1772 
to Washington County, Pa., where he settled near the upper 
waters of Buffalo Creek. He was the father of Maj. Francis 
McGuire, later noted in border history. The site of his fort 
is not precisely known, but it was probably on or near Buffalo 
Creek, some miles above its mouth. 

Edward Perrin came West from Antietam, Md., and settled 



RAIDS AND SKIRMISHES 41 

James Chambers of Westmoreland County told Dr. 
Draper that in August, 1777, he and six or seven other 
men were reaping oats near Adam Carnahan's block- 
house.^^ On receiving notice of skulking Indians, 
they went to John McKibben's, where Fort Hand was 
built the next winter.^^ The Indians plundered several 
cabins and finally attacked Carnahan's blockhouse. On 



about seven miles east of Wellsburg, probably near Buffalo 
Creek. Oct. 15, 1779, while hunting with two companions, he 
was shot and killed by Indians on a stream fourteen miles 
above the mouth of Short Creek, since known as Perrin's 
Run, He was about fifty years of age when killed, and left 
a widow and several children. See interview with his grand- 
daughter in Draper MSS., 16S262, 263. — Ed. 

82 James Chambers was born in Ireland in May, 1749, emi- 
grated to America about 1768, and in the autumn of 1773 
settled on Kiskiminitas Creek, in Washington township, West- 
moreland County. There Dr. Draper in 1846 interviewed the 
aged pioneer. He described his capture by Indians in 1781 
while on a scout near Sewickley Creek, his sojourn at Detroit, 
and at Prison Island near Montreal, whence he escaped in 
1782. His memory was very retentive, and he gave Dr. Dra- 
per many facts about Indian warfare. 

Adam Carnahan was a neighbor of Chambers. His block- 
house was located about a mile south of the Kiskiminitas and 
six miles below the mouth of Conemaugh Creek. Carnahan's 
son James enlisted in the Continental service, and was an 
officer of repute. This blockhouse was the rendezvous for 
Lochry's forces in his expedition of 1781. — Ed. 

83 Fort Hand was built in the autumn of 1777 after Fort 
Kittanning was evacuated (see post), and the garrison of the 
latter transferred thither. It was the only fort in that region, 
on the Continental establishment. In the latter part of July, 
1778, Capt. Samuel Miller with nine soldiers of the 8th Penn- 
sylvania were waylaid without the fort, when the captain and 
seven men were killed. See Penna. Archives, vi, p. 6y2- In 
March of the following year. Fort Hand was again attacked 
and ably defended by Capt. Samuel Moorhead for twenty- 
four hours, when the besiegers finally withdrew. Fort Hand 
was evacuated shortly after this; but again occupied during 
the Indian wars, and kept up until 1791 or 1792. It was lo- 
cated in Washington township of Westmoreland County, 
about a mile south of the Kiskiminitas ford. — Ed. 



42 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

stepping to the door, John Carnahan was instantly 
shot dead. The firing continued briskly until dark, 
when the Indians decamped, carrying their wounded 
on litters. One Indian, left dead, had about him arti- 
cles plundered from Chambers's cabin. 



RETALIATORY EXPEDITION PLANNED 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Col. William Fleming. iU8o — 
A. L. S.] 

Redstone84 i2tii. Augt. 1777 

Sir — The Murders lately committed by the Savages 
on our Frontiers have occasioned much distress and 
uneasiness in the minds of the Inhabitants, and as a 
General Confederacy of the Western tribes has taken 
place at the Instigation of the British Emisaries in 
their Country it will no doubt be productive of Multi- 
plied Greivances to us except we can penetrate their 
Country and take on them the Vengence due to their 
perfidy 

I therefore in Consequence of his Excellency the 
Governor of Virginia's permission desire you will be 
pleased to furnish me with 200 Men properly officered 
and Equiped for an Expedition into the Indian Coun- 
try, and willing to serve Six Months from the first of 
September next unless sooner discharged. The Coun- 
ties of Monongalia youghogania & Ohio have pro- 
posed to furnish their proportions by Volanteers, 
you Sir will be the best Judge how to proceed in your 
own Country as soon as the Men are ready (which 
I wish to be as soon as possible) order them to March 
to Fort Randolph at the mouth of the Great Kanha- 



84 For Redstone see Duiuiiore's War, p. 12, note 22. — Ed. 



RETALIATION 43 

way. if in the meantime I find any other place of 
General Rendevous more convenient will take the 
earliest opportunity of Acquainting you. Least the 
Garrison at Fort Randolph may not have the proper 
supply of Provision beg you may contrive to send 
flour & live Cattle to supply your detachment for some 
time after their Arrival. Col. Aylett of Williams- 
burgh is appointed Commissary for the Westren Posts 
and will give you the necessary assistance.®^ I am Sir 
your most Obed^ & Most Hbb. Serv*. 

Edw^. Hand 
To County Lieutenant of Bottetourt 

P. S. Please to forward the Inclosed to Augusta 
by Express. 



[Col. Zackwell Morgan to Capt. William Harrod.s^ 4NN58— 
A. L. S.] 

Sir — You are to Proceed to Recruit all the able 
Bodied Volenteers as Soon as Possible, enlist them 
to go on an Expedition to the Indian Towns, and have 



85 Upon receipt of this letter Colonel Fleming called a court 
martial whose resolutions (passed Aug. 29, 1777) are in Dra- 
per MSS., 1U88. There were present William Fleming, coun- 
ty lieutenant, Col. George Skillern, Maj. George Poage, Capt. 
Thomas Rowland, Capt. John Armstrong, Capt. Martin Mc- 
Farren, Capt. Patrick Lockhart, Capt. George Givens, and 
Capt. Jam.es Hall. On considering the letter of General Hand 
it was determined to send an express to the governor of Vir- 
ginia to know how far they were authorized to obey this 
requisition. They are sensible that the frontier would profit 
by such an expedition, but the county has been drained of 
men, and they are apprehensive of the consequences, as win- 
ter is approaching. As to supplies, Eastern parties are buying 
cattle in their vicinity at extravagant rates, and they request 
a stop thereto. — Ed. 

86 For a sketch of Capt. William Harrod, see Dunmore's 
War, p. 68, note 14. — Ed. 



44 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

them in Readiness as Soon as Possible. The place of 
Rendevouse at Cams Fort,^^ where you are to Order 
your men as Soon as Recruited, pray use Every 
Method in Your Power to Dispatch this Business. I 
wish you Success and am Sir your Hble Ser*. 

Zack^I Morgan 
Aug. 15, 1777 

N. B. inlist the men for Six Months from i^* Sep*^. 
tho they are to be under pay as Soon as Listed and all 
plunder is to be Divided Equal. 
To Capt William Harrod. 



[Maj. Henry Taylor to Gen. Edward Hand. IU83— A. L. S.] 
Rerdons B0TTOM88 17th Augst. 1777 
Dear General — I received yours of the 9*^. of 
Aug^*. Deated at Pittsburgh, and Must confess your 
condesending to leave the place of fixing the post to 
the people to be as satisfactory as the[y] Could Desire 
and as the Chief of the old posts was below Logs- 
Town I marched the Men down to this post, and went 
down myself to the Lower posts taking the minds of 
the people, and I found that every one was for having 
it at the place where the[y] were. I found that the 
people at Large could not fix it, I then ordred the 
Officers to meet at this post and there to Agree on the 
place. the[y] promised to do so, but has not yet 
come. Owing I beleave to an alarm of some Indians 
being in the settlement the Inhabatants is in the Ut- 



8^ Probably intended for Kern's Fort, in the present Monon- 
galia County, W. Va., on Decker's Creek See S. T. Wiley, 
Monongalia County (Kingwood, W. Va., 1883), p. 649. — Ed. 

88 Reardon's Run is on the southeast side of Raccoon 
Creek, in Independence township, Beaver County, Pa. — Ed. 



RETALIATION 45 

most confusion yet it is as bad as Deth to think of 
moving, the Inhabatants of HoUaday's cove*^ De- 
clared the[y] would stay & Difend themselves as long 
as the[y] could. & secured all the Ammonition and 
Guns, telling me that the[y] would Ace*, w*. the pub- 
lick for all the[y] would Use of them Indeed I must 
confess the[y] did not Use me w*. any indeacency. 
Cap^ perce and his Vollounteers is here only 8 which 
was left to Assist M^ Baker and his family to this 
place. ^° the Militia is Cheefly all Gon & going home 
therefor I will have only Cap*^ Hogland^^ and Cap*^ 
Perces Vollounteers, Unless New Draughts is sent 

I long to here what was concluded on at the council 
at Redstone Fort. I have no News but what you have 
had I have kept out constant scouts to tray to meet 
them Indians that was in the Inhabatants but can not 
make Any Discoverys, there is about 50 VoIP and 10 
Militia Draughts here which will be free in a few 
Days the people in General seems keen for an Expe- 
dition but how the[y] will Turn out I am at a loss to 
Gess I am w* Respect y^. Hubl Serv* 

Henry Taylor Maj''.^- 
To Brigadeer Genl. Hand, Fort Pitt 

89 Holliday's Cove settlement was formed in 1776 and lay 
in what is now Hancock County, W. Va., about three miles 
back from Ohio River. There is at present on the site a 
postoffice by this name. — Ed. 

90 Probably the family of Joshua Baker, who lived opposite 
the mouth of Yellow Creek in the present Hancock County, 
W. Va. See Dunmore's War, pp. 15-18. — Ed. 

91 Capt. Henry Hoagland lived on Pigeon Creek, in the 
Monongahela district. He served with McDonald in the Wa- 
katomica campaign of 1774; and went out as captain in 1782 
under Crawford. After the latter's defeat he was never again 
heard from. — Ed. 

92 For a sketch of Maj. Henry Taylor, see i?^?^. Upper Ohio, 
p. 233, note 76. — Ed. 



46 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

FORTS STRENGTHENED 

[Capt. Samuel Moorhead to Gen. Edward Hand. IU84 — 
A. L. S.] 

KiTTANING 19*^ Augt. 1777 

Sir — This evning sent Out A party of men to drive 
up the Cattle, A Httle ways from the fort was fird on 
by a Considerable Party of indeans, as it Appears by 
their tracks. Killed and Scalpt three of the men, and 
left with them two papers, equal in Substance, one of 
which I inclose to you for your Consideration^^ Am 
Sir Your Obdt Hum^ Serv* 

SamI Moorhead 

Have but three small Beef Cattle at Present 
To Genl E. Hand Commander in Chieff Fourt Pitt 



[Col. David Shepherd to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U85— A. L- S.] 
Fort Henry August the 22d 1777 
Sir — In obedience to your order I have Caled in all 
the men to this place that is under pay and have Re- 
moved my famely Likewise, but there Seems a Great 
Confusion in the County Concerning it. I have or- 
dered Capt Ogle to keep up a Scout Between this fort 
and the Beach Bottom Likewise Capt Mason to send 
a party to Scout Betwen this and Grave Creek and 
Shall order Such Scouts and Spies over the River as 
our Strength will admit of. Captains Shannon,^"^ 



93 See Hamilton's proclamation of June 24, ante, p. 14. — Ed. 

94 Probably Capt. Samuel Shannon from Ligonier, West- 
moreland County, where he took up land in 1773. He was 
head of a ranging company from 1777-81. In the latter year 
he accompanied the ill-fated Lochry expedition (see ante, 
p. 39, note 79), as one of its officers. Sent in advance by 
Colonel Lochry with a note to General Clark, he was captured 
by the Indian party lying in wait, and induced to advise sur- 



STRENGTHENING FORTS 47 

Leach and Marchant^^ Arived here on the 20"' Ins* 
and Seems Very well Behaved and Oblidging our 
Cap tons is making up their Companeys as fast as pos- 
ible. But the Men Complains Greatly that they are 
not paid of as they want the money for their former 
Service to aquip them for a Campain it would be well 
if this Could be Done and a pay Master Sent Down 
or some way ordred that the Men are paid But I 
make no Doubt But we Shall Get the Men Required 
of our County as they are Recruiting fast Col Mor- 
gan has not yet arived here Neither have we heard 
from him we are Repairing the fort as fast as posible 
and Shall Soon have it Indian proof Except they Scale 
the Stockades the Indians has Been with [us] Once 
Since I Saw you they Crossed the River in the Night 
near the mouth of Buffelow Creek when Cap*^ Ogle 
with a party of his men followed their tracks next 
morning and over took them they Changed Several 
Shot but none kiled or Cripled on Either Side, our 
people Got Eleven Blankets and plunder that Sold for 
24 Pounds the Indians made their Escape a Cross 
the River the next night by the plunder got it is 



render to Lochry's force. He was carried captive to Lower 
Sandusky, whence he managed to escape, and had reached the 
hill opposite Wheeling when retaken by a marauding Indian 
on his return from the settlements and tomahawked. See 
Draper MSS., 6NN146, 175, 176.— Ed. 

9o These companies had been .recruited in Westmoreland 
County for the relief of the Ohio River forts. A Swiss fam- 
ily named Marchand lived in 1770 on Little Sewickley Creek 
in Hempfield township of that county, and had several distin- 
guished descendants, Capt. David Marchand with a company 
of thirty-four men and Capt. James Leetch with thirteen men 
served on the Ohio frontier. 3NNT0. — Ed. 



48 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

thought that they was a party that had been at fort 
Pitt^*^ I am Sir with Respect Y'" Humble Serv^ 

David Shepherd 

To His Honour General Hand at Fort Pitt 



TROOPS FOR EXPEDITION 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Jasper Yeates. MS. in New York 
Public Library; Hand Papers — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt 25*^ August 1777 
Dear Yeates — Your favour of the 7^^. Instant I 
rec^. the i6"\ by M^ Steel, by a person just returned 
from Williamsburg I learn that the British fleet has 
Appeared in Chesapeak Bay. this will cause a new & 
fatigueing movement in our Army, I am as Appre- 
hensive as yourself of S*^. Clairs fate. Indian Affairs 
remain as when I last wrote to you. I have demanded 
2000 men from the Several frontier Counties of Vir- 
ginia & Pennsylvania if I get them cant have a doubt 
of reducing the Wyandots & Pluggys Town Confed- 
eracy, at present our most Troublesome Neighbours, 
this County is in great confusion & Distress at present, 
the prospects of fixing a permanent boundary between 
\^irginia & Pennsylvania, gives the people much satis- 
faction, next to Chastising the Indians, they desire 
that may take place, the situation of the Delawares 
embarraces me much. I wish to preserve their friend- 
ship, how to do this & keep small parties in the Indian 
Country, (A measure I wish to Adopt,) & steer Clear 



96 Aug. 15, General Hand wrote to his wife, "The Delaware 
Indians have left hostages as a pledge of their friendship." 
3NN47.— Ed. 



MILITARY MOBILIZATION 49 

of the Delawares I cant telL I wish you & all our 

friends Felicity & am D'". Yeats, very Affectionately y^^ 

Edw^ Hand 

To Jasper Yeates Esq^". Lancaster 

Endorsed : Fort Pitt Aug*. 25. 1777. Genl. Hand. (Answd. 
Septr. 13. 1777 pr Col. Steel) 



[Col. Zackwell Morgan to Gen. Edward Hand. 3NN 154, 155— 
Transcript.] 

25th Aug. 1777. 
Capt". Pigman^^ marches this day for Wheeling with 
his company, & takes the flour he talked of ; I shall 
follow him myself with Maj''. Chew on Sunday 
next with about 100 men, & as soon as I get to Wheel- 
ing shall return by the way of Fort Pitt to consult 
with your excellency the future operations of the 
troops, by which time I am fully convinced that the 
remainder of the men for the intended expedition will 
be ready to march, that nothing may retard us any 
longer. 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Mrs. Hand. 3NN47, 48— Transcript.] 

Fort Pitt, Aug. 25*1^ 1777. 
The safety of the country depends on our being able 
to penetrate the Indian country; but whether I can 
accomplish it, I don't yet know. Certain it is, that 
with a proper force (without which it will not be 
attempted), a measure of that nature be executed 
without greater danger than this garrison is exposed 
to. * * * The 16*^^. instant a party of Indians 



^'J' Captain Pigman did not march as intended; see Shep- 
herd's letter of Aug. 28, and Zackwell Morgan's of Aug. 29, 
jwst. — Ed. 



so FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

attacked a house about forty miles from here, at a 
place called Beaver Run in Westmoreland County, 
where near 40 women & children had taken shelter 
with 7 men ; the Indians were beaten off, two of them 
left dead on the spot ; one white man was also killed.^* 
A Delaware Indian who arrived here yesterday met 
the party — they were Wyandotts — went out with 14 
men & were returning with 10 — one of them was shot 
through the body & had his arm broken. The 17^''. a 
party of Chippewas fired on 6 men of the garrison at 
Kittanning, killed three of them & got off clear. 
Twenty men from this garrison are now out on the 
Indian [side] in search of some skulking rascals who 
fired on & slightly wounded a man near M'". Crog- 
han's^^ place yesterday. As they are guided by an 
Indian, I hope they will ferret them out. 



QUIET AT FORT HENRY 

[Col. David Shepherd to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U87— A. L- S.] 

Fort Henry [Augt.] 28*^ 1777 
Sir — we have not seen any signs of the Indians 
since I wrote to you Last and we keep out Scouts and 
Spies Every Day. Col Morgan has not ar[i]ved here 
from the Monongahale County nor Aney Men from 
that County neither Do we hear from him Cap' 
Shannons men was Seemed unesy to go home and as 
I saw no apperance of the Indians I Let them go they 
Behaveed them Selves very well During their Stay, 



98 This refers to the affair at Carnahan's blockhouse, when 
John Carnahan was killed. See ante, p. 41. — Ed. 

99 Col. George Croghan lived on the east side of the Alle- 
gheny, about four miles from the intersection of the rivers. 
The site is now within the limits of Pittsburgh. — Ed. 



A TORY PLOT 51 

we have got the fort in Some Better posture of De- 
fence than it was Before, I ordred the men from the 
Beach Bottom But the Inhabetants would not Remove 
I therefore ordred that party to Keep up a Scout on 
the other Side of the River So as to Cover the Inhab- 
itants as wel as possible. I Shall Come to fort pit in 
a few Days if Nothing happens. Sir I am with Re- 
spect yr Hum^ Servt. 

David Shepherd 
To His Honoi' General Edward Hand 



THE TORY CONSPIRACY 

[Col. Thomas Gaddis to Lieut.-Col. Thomas Brown^ at Red- 
stone Old Fort. 3NN156, 157 — Transcript.] 

Dear Sir — A certain person was at my house on 
Monday the 25th inst, and he made oath to me that 
the Tories have joined themselves together for to cut 
off the inhabitants, and we know not what hour they 
will rise. Therefore it would be proper that you 
would take a particular care and keep a strong guard 
over the Magazine^ for a few days, till we can use 
some means with them. This day I am starting with 
a party of men for to succor the people and suppress 
the Tories. I would desire that you would do your 
utmost endeavor and warn the friends of our country 
to be upon their watch. Sir, I remain respectfully 
your friend 

THo^ Gaddis 
August 26th. 1777. 



^ For these officers of Monongalia and Yohogania counties, 
see Rev. Upper Ohio, pp. 233, 234, notes 76 and 78 respect- 
ively. — Ed. 

2 At Redstone was situated the powder magazine for the 
Virginia counties west of the mountains. — Ed. 



52 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

[Thomas Brown to General Hand. 3NN155, 156— Transcript] 

Redstone Fort, Aug<^ 29*^ 1777 

D"*. Sir — Enclosed you have Col. Gaddis' letter to 
me directed, from which you may find in what circum- 
stances our country lies under. Agreeable to Col°. 
Gaddis' instructions, I have called a guard of fifteen 
men for the safety of the magazine, which I hope will 
meet with your approbation. Any instructions from 
your excellency shall be obeyed if in my power. Col"* 
Gaddis and Capt. Enochs^ with about 100 men are in 
pursuit of the Tories, but their success I have not yet 
heard ; but from different accounts it appears the Tor- 
ies are determined to stand battle. I expect to hear 
from Col. Gaddis every hour, and shall transmit a full 
account as soon as possible. I have the honor to be &c. 

Thomas Brown. 

N. B. From sundry acct^ the Tories are deter- 
mined to take the Magazine if in their power. 
Genl Hand. 

Endorsed: Col. Tho^. Brown. 



[Col. Zackwell Morgan to General Hand. 3NN65,66— 
Transcript.] 

August 29th. 1777 

May it please y"^. Exc^. — It is with the utmost anx- 
iety that I now inform you that our march is retarded 
for some time against the natural enemies of our coun- 
try. A few days ago the most horrid conspiracy ap- 
peared. Numbers of the inhabitants of this country 
have joined in a plot and were assembled together to 
join the English and Indians. This forces me to raise 



3 For Capt. Henry Enoch see Rev. Upper Ohio, pp. 207, 
235.— Ed. 



A TORY PLOT 53 

what men were enlisted as well as others, to put a stop 
to this unnatural unheard of frantick scene of mischief 
that was in the very heart of our country. We have 
taken numbers who confess that they have sworn alle- 
giance to the King of Great Britain, & that some of 
the leading men at Fort Pitt are to be their rulers & 
heads. The parties I have out are bringing in num- 
bers of those wretches & they (those that confess) all 
agree in their confession that the English, French & 
Indians will be with you in a few days, when they 
were with numbers of others to embody themselves, & 
Fort Pitt was to be given up with but little opposition ; 
some are taken that really astonish me out of measure. 
Good heavens ! that mankind should be so lost to 
every virtue & sense of their country. I am this mo- 
ment informed that Gideon Long & Jeremiah Long, 
two deserters are gone to Fort Pitt to deliver them- 
selves up ; should this be the case, & as they have been 
very active in this conspiracy, I hope your Exc^. will 
punish them as they deserve. I am now at Minor's 
Fort* with about 500 men, & am determined to purge 
the country before I disband, as it would give me 
much satisfaction to have this matter settled. I shall 
wait y^ Excellency's instructions & am with respect 
your most obed'. humble serv*. 

Zack : Morgan. 



* This was either at Statler's Fort, which Minor commanded 
(see aiife, p. 21, note 46), or a blockhouse upon his property 
in the present Monongalia township of Greene County, Pa. 
See sketch in Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 235, note 79. — Ed. 



54 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

THE SIEGE OF FORT HENRY 

[Reminiscences by Dr. Joseph Doddridge.^ 6NN123-126 — 
A. D.] 

Fort Henry, at Wheeling, was built at the expense 
of the English Government, by the order of the Earl 
of Dunmore, while on his campaign against the In- 
dians in the summer of 1774, who, when he descended 
the river in pursuit of the Indians on the Scioto, left 
Colonel William Crawford and Angus McDonald, 
with a detatchment of men to build and garrison the 
fort.« 

The fort was substantially built of squared timbers 
painted at the top and furnished with bastions and 
sentry boxes at the angles. The interior of the fort 
contained an house for the officers and barracks for 
the men. Its area was something more than half an 
acre. 



^Joseph Doddridge was born in 1769 in Bedford County, 
Pa. In 1773 his father removed with his family to what is 
now Washington County, not far from the present West Vir- 
ginia line. Doddridge was thus a boy eight years old at the 
time of this siege, and living in the immediate neighborhood. 
For several years he was a Methodist preacher, itinerating 
throughout the entire region. Later he joined the Episcopal 
church and studied and practiced medicine, dying in 1826 at 
his home in Wellsburg. Two years before his death he pub- 
lished (at the last-named place) Notes on the Settlement and 
Indian Wars of the Western Parts of Virginia and Pennsyl- 
vania, in which he embodied much of his knowledge of pio- 
neer days. There is not, however, in this book any account 
of the siege at Wheeling. Such a manuscript account was 
found among his papers, and secured by Dr. Draper from his 
daughter. Unfortunately the manuscript is incomplete, break- 
ing off abruptly. We have supplemented this account, there- 
fore, with recollections of other pioneers. — Ed. 

6 See Dnnmore's War, p. 86. — Ed. 



ATTACK ON FORT HENRY 55 

This fort was designed for the refuge and protec- 
tion of the lower settlements in this district of coun- 
try, and being next in strength and importance to fort 
Pitt, soon attracted the notice of the Indians and their 
English allies, who at three different periods at- 
tempted to break up the establishment. 

The first attack on fort Henry took place on the 
first day of September 1777. 

Gen^ Hand had, at that time, the command of the 
western department. The Moravian Indians who 
had three villages on the Muskimgum about sixty 
miles from the Ohio river were in the practice of 
sending runners to Gen^ Hand, with information con- 
cerning any intended scout or campaign of the Indian 
warriors against any of the settlements or forts of 
the white people. 

About three weeks before the attack of fort Henry, 
Gen' Hand sent notice to Col" David Shepherd, the 
Lieutenant Colonel of Ohio County, that he had re- 
ceived advice that fort Henry would be attacked in 
short time, by a large Indian force, aided by a body 
of british rangers from Detroit. This advice was 
accompanied with an order to the Col" to leave his 
own fort which was about six miles distant from fort 
Henry, and take the command of the latter fort. The 
Col" was directed to issue his orders to all the Cap- 
tains between the Ohio and Monongahala, to rendez- 
vous at fort Henry with all possible dispatch, with 
the whole number of their men. Accordingly Cap- 
tains Williamson, Virgin, Crooks, Miller, Hathaway, 
and Ogle, with some others whose names are not 
recollected, assembled with their companies at the 



56 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

fort/ Their number was from four to five hundred 
men. 

The Indians not coming on as soon as was expected, 
some of the Captains, thinking the report of the in- 
tended attack of fort Henry a "false alarm" left the 
place with their companies and returned home. Two 
companies left the place the day before the attack. 
Cap* Ogle, and his company were the only distant 
troops at the place at the time of the engagament. 
These troops, and those of Cap Mason of the place, 
amounting in all to about one hundred men,^ consti- 
tuted the whole force which defended fort Henry at 
its first attack. 

About sunrise, on the day of the attack, Andrew 
Zane,® with a small party, set out from the fort to go 
to a place about a mile distant to get some horses, to 
move a family [Dr. McMechan's] from the fort up 
the country towards the Monongahala. When this 
party had reached the brow of the hill, back of 
Wheeling, at the spot where the national turn pike 
now passes it, they were attacked by several Indians, 
who, however, did not fire on them, but endeavoured 



"^ Dr. Doddridge has mistaken the names of the local com- 
mandants. Captains Leach, Marchant, and Shannon were the 
reinforcing militia officers, all of whom had departed previous 
to the attack, except the local company of Capt. Samuel Ma- 
son, and the supply from Beech Bottom Fort under Capt. 
Joseph Ogle. — Ed. 

8 An overestimate of the number of men. According to 
Duke's account book (1SS149), Captain Ogle's company con- 
sisted of thirty-eight men. Mason's was probably no larger 
if as large. — Ed. 

9 Andrew Zane was one of the brothers whose father was 
noted ante, p. 15, note 36. They were the founders and first 
settlers of Wheeling. Andrew was killed by Indians; not at 
the siege of Wheeling, but later while scouting. — Ed. 



ATTACK ON FORT HENRY 57 

to kill, or take them prisoners without giving an alarm. 
One of the party of the name of Boyd, was caught, 
after running about Eighty yards, and tomahawked. 
Zane made his escape by jumping over a cliff of rocks 
of considerable height. The Indians who were run- 
ning after him, not choosing to imitate the perilous 
leap he had taken gave up the pursuit. Zane was 
much bruised in the fall, and his gun was broken to 
pieces; but in the course of the day he reached Col" 
Shepherds fort.^° One man and a negro boy of this 
little party returned to the fort and gave the alarm. 

According to the usual folly and rashness of our 
militia of early times, about twenty turned out of the 
fort to give battle to Indians; notwithstanding the 
advice of Genl Hand, that the place would be attacked 
by at least 200 of the enemy. 

The Indians, after finishing their work with the 
small party, passed over the top of the hill and de- 
scended into the bottom, following the bend of the 
creek, until they came to the flat piece of ground at 
the south end of Wheeling hill. In this flat they 
formed an ambuscade in the form of a crescent, with 
its convexity towards the creek, it[s] points within a 
short distance of the foot of the hill. A considerable 
force had also been left among the bushes, on the 
western side of the hill, some distance in front of the 



10 Col. David Shepherd lived at the forks of Wheeling 
Creek, where Little Wheeling comes in, about six miles above 
Fort Henry. He purchased this location from Silas Zane in 
1773, and there forted during the wars. According to General 
Hand's orders, Shepherd had removed to Fort Henry, but 
some of the neighboring families remained in his block- 
house. — Ed. 



58 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

ambuscade to prevent the escape of any of our men, 
in case they should pursue the Indians and fall into 
the ambuscade. 

The Indians in their march over the hill, down the 
bottom and through the centre of the ambuscade, had 
taken the precaution to make a large trail so that they 
might be readily pursued so as to draw our men into 
the snare. 

When the party which had left the fort, for the pur- 
suit of the Indians had fallen on their trail, they se- 
lected two or three men to follow directly on the 
tracks. The others divided into two equal parties and 
marched in single file at the distance of several steps 
of each other about 70 yards to the right and left of 
the trail. 

When our party had progressed some distance into 
the flat, in which the ambuscade was formed, a soldier 
of the name of Thomas Glen, who was marching next 
to Captain Mason, discovered an Indian on the right 
flank of the enemy whom he instantly shot down. The 
first shot from the Indians wounded Cap^ Mason in 
the hand and carried off the lock of his gun. 

The battle then commenced with a^^ 



[Recollections of John Hanks.12 12CC138.] 
From the Monongahela, we moved to within 5 miles 
of Wheeling; remaining there until the Indians com- 



11 The manuscript is unfinished. Dr. Draper, in an append- 
ed note, says that the latter portion was lost before it came 
into his hands. — Ed. 

12 John Hanks was born Nov. 29, 1767, in Loudon County, 
Md., and removed in 1774 to the neighborhood of Redstone, 
on the Monongahela ; thence, as he says, to the Wheeling 



ATTACK ON FORT HENRY 59 

pelled us to move into Wheeling Fort. Before we 

moved in one McBride was killed out on the waters of 

Wheeling/^ * * * \Ve went out and around by 

and to Silas Zane's;^* my father being at that time 

over the Ohio (about a mile from us) after Indians. 
******** 

From Zane's we went to the fort. While we were 
there one morning, were out Jacob Coles, John Mills 
and Dr. McMahon, looking for McMahon's heifer.^' 
McMahon was intending to move out of the fort. I 
was out at the spring, when the firing was heard. 



neighborhood. Hanks was, therefore, a boy of ten and in 
the fort during the siege. In 1786 the family removed to 
Kentucky and settled in Montgomery County, whence Hanks 
went out as scout and hunter. There, on the Spruce fork of 
Slate River, he was interviewed by John D. Shane. — Ed. 

13 See Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 250. — Ed. 

1* Silas Zane was among the first settlers in the neighbor- 
hood of Wheeling. He was himself not present at the first 
siege in 1777, being a captain in the 13th Virginia, and on 
service in the Eastern states. Hanks here refers to Shep- 
herd's blockhouse, at what had been Silas Zane's location. 
Zane returned to the Ohio before the close of the Revolution, 
and was at Fort Henry during the siege of 1782. At the close 
of the Revolution he went with George Green to the Indian 
country, with goods for a trader from Maryland. On their 
return, about 1785, the two traders were waylaid and mur- 
dered on the Scioto. Silas Zane left an infant son of the 
same name. — Ed. 

15 There were two brothers McMechen (usually pronounced 
McMahon) in the neighborhood of Wheeling — William, the 
founder of the pioneer family of that name; and Dr. James, 
a physician of Scotch origin, who came from Delaware to the 
Ohio and was for a time clerk of Ohio County. During the 
Revolution James returned to the East and never came back 
to the frontier. His brother William settled six miles below 
Wheeling. His family was at Redstone during the troubles 
on the frontier, and later returned to their Ohio River home, 
where they became prominent in early West Virginia an- 
nals. — Ed. 



60 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

About twenty men seized their guns and ran out. 
Jacob Coles and John Mills were killed, and Dr. Mc- 
Mahon wounded. ^^ The Indians seemed to have made 
as much sign as possible. When they got to the mouth 
of Wheeling to which the trace led, John Saunders said 
to the Company, ''I wish we were over the other side 
of the River." Some one said they wouldn't wish to 
be over the other side. They believed there were 
plenty of Indians that side. Letters were found on 
the trail, left by the Indians inviting the pursuers to 
come over and join them that if they would bring a 
flag they shouldn't be hurt, and should have fine quar- 
ters at Detroit. Dreading some evil consequences 
from these letters, all the members of the party were 
mutually sworn not to divulge the secret of their con- 
tents, for the next six months. 

Dr. McMahon sent an Irishman, and his black man 
Loudon, out in the morning to get the oxen. When 
they got out, the Indians were in ambush and took 
after them. The Irishman was overtaken and toma- 
hawked; but the negro, who was too swift for them 
rushed into the fort, and cried "Indians, Indians." 
The men in the fort snatched up their guns, and ran, 
some without their hats.^^ A high mountain puts in 
just by Wheeling. There the Indians drew the pur- 



16 The narrator has mistaken the persons ; it was John Boyd 
who was killed. Dr. McMechen did not leave the fort. The 
first party consisted of Boyd, Samuel Tomlinson, Andrew 
Zane, and the negro Loudon. — Ed, 

i^'This was Mason's party, ordered out by Colonel Shep- 
herd. The number is variously given ; probably it was fifteen, 
all but two of whom were killed. — Ed. 



ATTACK ON FORT HENRY 61 

vSuing party to follow them round this mountain, hav- 
ing others prepared to follow them in the rear, till 
they closed in on both sides, and the whole party but 
two cut off. These were Sam. Mason (a Captain) 
and one Caldwell,^* who did not get started as soon 
as the others, and so were not surrounded. Mason 
and his sergeant encountered two Indians, Mason 
called on the sergeant to shoot. Both shot on both 
sides. Both the Indians and the sergeant, named 
Steell, were killed and Mason wounded. He now 
crept down under the banks of Wheeling Creek, 
where he lay till night, and then got on to Shepherd's 
fort, about six miles. ^^ 



18 John Caldwell was born in Ireland Jan. 22, 1753. While 
still a boy his parents emigrated to America and settled first 
at Baltimore. In 1773 Caldwell removed to the vicinity of 
Wheeling, and was for several years in the Indian wars. In 
1774 he was out with Dunmore. In October, 1776, under the 
command of Capt. William Harrod, Caldwell was one of a 
party from Grave Creek Fort that went down the river to 
rescue the wounded and bury the dead of Robert Patterson's 
party, coming from Kentucky (see Rev. Upper Ohio, pp. 207, 
210, 213). The next year Caldwell was a volunteer under 
Capt. Samuel Mason. At first stationed at Shepherd's Fort, 
he was at Fort Henry during the siege. His son related to 
Dr. Draper (35141-144} that Caldwell ran up the hill to es- 
cape the ambuscade, tripped and fell, and was wedged in be- 
tween two trees. Seeing an Indian pursuing him, he wrenched 
himself loose with great effort, just as the Indian threw his 
tomahawk, which missed its aim, and Caldwell escaped to 
Shepherd's Fort six miles up the creek. In 1778 and 1779 
Caldwell was a volunteer guard at Wheeling, and in the latter 
year went on Brodhead's campaign ; he also served awhile at 
Rail's Fort on Buffalo Creek. He lived on Wheeling Creek, 
about fourteen miles above its mouth, until his death in 1840, 
and at one time drew a pension for his services. His pension 
documents are in Draper MSS., 6ZZ60-66. — Ed. 

i^Withers, who obtained his information from Noah, son 
of Ebenezer Zane, tells a story of the close pursuit of Mason, 
who having been twice wounded was faint from loss of blood. 



62 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

[Recollections of Mrs. Joseph Stagg.20 1200236,237.] 
Col. Ebenezer Zane's cabin was right where the 
fort stood. The fort was handsomely stockaded, at 
King's expense. White Eyes came to Fort Pitt, and 
told them that the Indians were going to take Wheel- 
ing home. White Eyes was sometimes thought to be 
of both sides. Col°. Shepherd sent to Fort Pitt, and 
obtained 70 men of the militia; but returned them 
again on Sunday morning, saying they had eaten too 
much beef for nothing. Immediately after he had 
sent them away, he sent to Mingo bottom for 25 oth- 
ers.-^ The first company [Captain Shannon's], it 
was supposed the Indians had seen go away, and by 



The Indian came so near that Mason thrust him back with 
his hand ; and then firing, he killed his red antagonist. After 
this he hid behind a fallen tree, and after nightfall made his 
escape. See Border Warfare, p. 223. — Ed. 

20 Mrs. Joseph Stagg was the daughter of Edward Mills, 
sister of John Mills, who took an important part in the second 
siege of Wheeling. At the time of the first siege of Fort 
Henry, she was the wife of Capt. Jacob Drennon, a prominent 
Kentucky pioneer. Her granddaughter told Dr. Draper 
(21S168) that when the alarm came she fled to the fort with 
her infant, but in her flight left an adopted boy in the cabin. 
Remembering this she hastened from the fort, although the 
gates were closing, wrapped the boy in a feather bed, and 
ran back to the fort unharmed, although several bullets from 
Indian guns lodged within the bed. The Drennons afterwards 
removed to Kentucky, settling in Mason County, where Cap- 
tain Drennon was killed. His widow married Joseph Stagg 
and for many years lived in Fleming County. She died in 
1845, aged ninety, at her son-in-law's home in Harrison 
County, Ky. — Ed. 

21 This refers to Captain Mason's company, who had been 
scouting as far as Beech Bottom Fort. But the narrator errs 
in stating that they came in after the siege began. See Shep- 
herd's letter of Aug. 28, ante, p. 50. — Ed. 



ATTACK ON FORT HENRY 63 

the time the sun was up, on Monday morning, the In- 
dians attacked the fort. 

******** 

One McMahon sent out some young men, to catch 
his horses; he and Jacob Drennon^^ were going away. 
Drennon wouldn't venture so to do [send for horses]. 
When the Doctor's negro came out to a thick wood, 
he said, "Why this looks as if it might be a good place 
for the Indians to hide." At that they started up. 
They had like to have caught the negro, but he got in. 
John Boyd, a youth was killed with their tomahawks 
and scalped. Five or six men ran out, tied his hands 
and feet, got a pole between them, and so got him in. 
The Indians had gone to another point. Andrew 
Zane, a brother of the colonel, jumped down a steep, 
afterwards measured to be 70 feet, without injury. 
Sammy Tomlinson was out too, and got in; but 
went out again with 25 and was killed. Capt. 
Mason commanded the 25 men that came from Mingo 
bottom, they got in along the port sally gate. The 
Indians then thought the fort open, and gave wonder- 
ful shouts and yells, and rushed to it, and they said 
they just came, 15 or 20 in a gang, holding each 



22 One of his descendants related (12BB) that Jacob Dren- 
non was born in Greenbriar County, Va., educated in England, 
and commissioned in the English army; that he returned to 
America with Lord Dunmore, and would take no part either 
for or against the colonies. It is known that in 1773 he was 
in Kentucky with McAfee's party, and visited the lick known 
thereafter as Drennon's. In 1774 he was with Dunmore on 
the Ohio, and although frequently in Kentucky made his home 
in the neighborhood of Wheeling. He was shot in 1787 when 
descending the Ohio. Knowing that he was mortally wound- 
ed, he jumped from the boat into the river, that the Indians 
should not secure his scalp. — Ed. 



64 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

other's hand. The men complained that the women 
kept so in their way looking out at the portholes, they 
couldn't do a thing. A great trail was left where the 
Indians had dragged their dead to the river. Twenty 
men staid in, 25 went out. * * * The 25 men 
went out to head them. 15 were killed, I suppose at 
once and 5 were wounded. ^^ 

Francis Duke, Col. Shepherd's son-in-law, came 
from Vanmetre's fort, and couldn't be made to stop 
(commissary of the fort).^* Col. Zane had just fin- 
ished him a good house, all to one window, shingle- 
roofed. * * * Women ran bullets in frying pans, 
and two shot. Mrs. Duke cut bullet patches out of a 
700 linen piece, like one cutting out shirts. And one 
Scotchman prayed all day. Rain came up, just after 



23 This refers to the whole number killed and wounded dur- 
ing the siege ; see Shepherd's letter, post. The narrator does 
not distinguish between the two sorties of Captain Mason 
and Captain Ogle. A dense fog overhung the place. Those 
in the fort could hear the sounds of combat, but could not 
perceive the number of the enemy. Captain Ogle, with a small 
number, probably not more than twelve, issued out to the aid 
of Mason's men, but were immediately included in the massa- 
cre. — Ed. 

2* Francis Duke was born in Ireland Feb. 11, 1751. Thence 
the family emigrated to the present Berkeley County, W. Va., 
where in 1773 Duke married Sarah, eldest daughter of Col. 
David Shepherd. Thence he removed with the latter's family 
to Wheeling Creek. He had been appointed by his father-in- 
law deputy commissary, and as such was stationed at Beech 
Bottom Fort. It was probably from there that he approached 
Fort Henry some time in the afternoon of Sept. i, and was 
shot down near the gate. The entry in the family genealogy 
is, "September the i day 1777. ffrancis Duke was kled by the 
Sageus [Savages]." His notebook is in Draper MSS.,iSSi49, 
wherein his last entry was Aug. 30. He left an infant son 
John, and a posthumous son Francis, whose descendants are 
numerous in Ohio and the West. His widow married Levi 
Springer. — Ed. 



ATTACK ON FORT HENRY 65 

the town was set on fire. The women brought up 
water in tubs, and scrubbed [drenched] the roofs. 
That night the Indians left. 



[Portion of reminiscences of Mrs. Lydia Cruger.^s 
2S148-151.] 
Mason received a flesh wound in the hip, and hid 
himself in a fallen tree top, full of green leaves. In- 
dians hunted all around him, he seeing them, in the 
night he escaped to some neighboring fort. Captain 
Ogle escaped to the cornfield with a wounded man, 
and concealed themselves in the high horse weeds; 
and while there, a wounded Indian, blood running 
down and crying, and another Indian with him, both 
sitting on the fence within a hanseP^ of Ogle; and 



25 Lydia Boggs was born Feb. 26, 1766, in Berkeley County, 
W. Va. In 1768 the family removed to the Youghiogheny, and 
thence in 1771 to Beeler's Fort (now Uniontown). In 1777 
they lived on Buffalo Creek, where Capt. John Boggs com- 
manded a militia company. In August, 1781, the Boggs house- 
hold removed to a spot three miles below Wheeling, but in 
1782 retreated to Fort Henry and were present during the 
second siege. Shortly afterward Lydia married Moses, son 
of Col. David Shepherd, and lived at his homestead until her 
husband's death in 1832. The following year she married 
Gen. Daniel Cruger, but kept her home at the old stone man- 
sion on Wheeling Creek until her death in September, 1867. 
She was a woman of extraordinary memory, and great intel- 
lectual power. Her reminiscences are entitled to much credit, 
except where warped by personal prejudice. Although not an 
inmate of the fort when it was besieged in 1777, her close 
association with the Shepherd family, and her knowledge of 
the frontier people, make her account thereof approximately 
accurate and certainly interesting. For a description of a visit 
to Mrs. Cruger see West Virginia Historical Magazine, July, 
1903. — Ed. 

-^ The word seems to be used in the sense of a hand's reach, 
although no such significance is ordinarily attributed to this 
term. — Ed. 
5 



66 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Ogle expecting every moment to be discovered, he lay 
with gun cocked, intending if discovered to sell his 
life as dearly as possible. Those Indians remained on 
the fence, and finally went away. In the night Ogle 
took the wounded man with him into the fort. 

Three of the men, William Shepherd (oldest son 
of Col. David Shepherd), Hugh McConnell, and 
Thomas Glenn started from the defeated spot for the 
fort, and young Shepherd (only nineteen) as he 
neared the fort, his foot caught in a grapevine and 
threw him, and before he could recover, the Indians 
tomahawked and scalped him. Glenn was chased 
above the fort a little distance up the river, and was 
overtaken and killed. McConnell reached the fort.^' 
John Caldwell escaped to Shepherd's Fort, six miles 
from Wheeling at the Forks of Wheeling [Creek], 
where the neighborhood f orted ; though Colonel Shep- 
herd himself was at Wheeling. Town lots had been 
sold, and several had built cabins and lived in them, 
outside of Fort Henry ; and at this alarm, unexpected, 
the people flew to the fort, leaving all their property 
in their cabins, all which was plundered; and some of 
the cabins were burned ; and others were seized and 
occupied by the Indians from which to fight. Francis 



27 William Shepherd was the oldest son of Col. David Shep- 
herd, and had married Rebecca McConnell, by whom he left 
one child. In January, 1790, Rebecca Shepherd petitioned the 
state of Virginia for a pension in recognition of her husband's 
services (Draper MSS., 7NN20). 

The estate of Thomas Glenn was probated in 1778, together 
with that of Francis Duke. He had been surveying on the 
Ohio in 1774; see Dunmore's War, pp. 7, 116. 

Hugh McConnell was ensign in the Ohio County militia in 
1778. His sister Rebecca was the wife of William Shep- 
herd. — Ed. 




Mrs. Lydia (Boggs-Shepherd) Cruger 
I-rom U'csf Vinjinia Historical Magazine, iii, p. 203 



ATTACK ON FORT HENRY 67 

Duke (a son-in-law of Colonel Shepherd, and deputy- 
commissary) came from the Beech Bottom Station, 
above, about noon, and came among the Indians, 
before he was aware of danger, and made a dash for 
the fort and was shot dead, some seventy-five yards 
from the fort, so near that the Indians did not venture 
for his scalp, until after nightfall, when they dragged 
his body into one of the cabins and scalped and 
stripped him. The Indians shot down large numbers 
of cattle, hogs, geese, and took a good many horses. 
Soon after dark they decamped, thought to have been 
300 Indians; probably Girty was not with them.^^ 

The first siege of Wheeling was on Monday, ist 
September. That was muster day at Cat Fish camp 
under Capt. John Boggs and Capt. Reasin Virgin,-^ 



28 Many legends have grown up about the siege of Fort 
Henry. None of them is more persistent than that Simon 
Girty was the leader of the attacking party. But at this time 
(1777) Girty was in Pittsburgh and had not yet escaped to 
the British. It seems probable that no white men were with 
the Indians at this siege. The aboriginals engaged in the 
attack were chiefly Wyandot and Mingo, with a few Shawnee 
and Delawares — a total of about two hundred in number. 
One Wyandot was killed, and nine of the assailants wounded. 
See Zeisberger's letter of Sept. 22, post. — Ed. 

29 Capt. John Boggs was born on the Susquehanna in 1736. 
He was taken when a child to Berkeley County, Va., and in 
1768 came out to the Youghiogheny. In 1771 he was at Bee- 
son's Fort (Uniontown, Pa.), and three years later made an 
improvement on Chartier's Creek, about three miles west of 
Catfish Camp. He was at this latter station when the siege 
of Wheeling occurred. In 1781, while living on Buffalo 
Creek, his oldest son was captured. In August of the same 
year he built a cabin three miles below Wheeling, and in the 
spring of the next year removed his family to Fort Henry 
for safety. Captain Boggs was sent for reinforcements when 
the siege of 1782 took place, but returned just after the be- 



68 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

and while mustering, towards evening, an express 
came that Wheeling was attacked and Boggs and Vir- 
gin and their men immediately resolved to start off, 
and marched all night and reached Wheeling early 
Tuesday morning, all the Indians had gone, helped 
to bury the dead ; and haul off the swollen dead cattle 
into the river. "'^ 



[Court Martial for Ohio County, Oct. 13, 1778. 2SS33.] 
Ordred that Captain Samuel Mason be paid Seven 
Dollars for a Drum Purchased for his Company Use 
and Lost by the Attact of the Enemy against Fort 
Henry Sepf ist 1777. 



siegers had departed. He had expected to remove to Ken- 
tucky, which he visited in 1776, but the Revolution kept him 
occupied on the Ohio frontier. In 1778 he was out with Mc- 
intosh in command of a company, and for many years was a 
militia captain. His final removal was to Pickaway County, 
Ohio, where he died in February, 1824. 

For Capt. Reazin Virgin see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 207, note 
49. — Ed. 

30 There is a persistent tradition of the arrival of a relief 
party at Wheeling while the Indians were still about the fort. 
It is alleged that on this occasion Maj. Samuel McColloch 
leaped down Wheeling hill on horseback. If any such event 
occurred during a siege of Wheeling, it must have been that 
of 1781, for McColloch was killed before the siege of 1782; 
and there are no evidences of any incident of the kind during 
the attack of 1777. In all probability McColloch's famous 
leap was taken during some one of the escapes from a small 
marauding party of Indians, such as constantly infested the 
border. No doubt that in the imagination of the frontier 
narrators, the story grew to proportions far beyond the 
facts. — Ed. 



COLLECTING RECRUITS 69 

WESTMORELAND FRONTIER 

[Capt. Samuel Moorhead to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U89 — 
A. L. S.] 

KiTTANING Sepf. 2d 1777 

Sir — Rec'^. your favour of the 21^^. Aug^ With 
Pleasure But upon Cap^ Millers'^^ Arival who 
brought 20 Beef Cattle Findes there is not a Rein- 
forcement Coming here. Therefore as we are situ- 
ated and treated, you Cannot be surprisd if you 
shoud here, shortly, of our being Cut off in Part, or 
the whole. If it shoud be the case, I hope these will 
be part of the discharge of my duty, with makeing use 
of Such means as it Shall Please God to put in my 
Power In whom I put my whole dependance for the 
Preservation of these few men As allso his Other mer- 
cies, which I truste will be Sofetient, Though the 
Aspect be bad no Other means being Usd, Having 
3 or 4 new recrutes at hannastown M*". Jack^- will 
Call for Arms for them, the Arms here being Out of 
Oarder, I am with Obediance your Hum Serv*^. Sir 

Saml Moorhead 

On Public Service Genl Edwd. Hand Commanding the 
Westrin Departement Fort pitt favrd by Cap*. Miller 



31 Capt. Samuel Miller, of the 8th Pennsylvania Continental 
regiment, had his home on Big Sewickley Creek, not far from 
Greensburg, in Westmoreland County, and thence he marched 
in 1776 to join the Eastern army. He was at Valley Forge 
in January, 1778, and in March was ordered West to Pitts- 
burgh. July 7 of the same year, as he was taking reinforce- 
ments to Fort Hand, he was set upon by Indians and he and 
his entire party were killed. — Ed. 

32 Lieut. William Jack, a brother of the more famous Capt. 
Matthew Jack of the 8th Pennsylvania. The Jack family 
came from Ireland and settled near the present Greensburg, 
Pa. William was for several years lieutenant under Moor- 
head; later he was county judge, and died at his home Feb. 7, 
1821. In 1882 his descendants still owned the homestead. — Ed. 



70 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

[Devereux Smith to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U90 — A. L. S.] 

Hannastown Septr 2d 1777 
Dear Sir — A party Consisting of one Hondered 
and odd, Set of under the Command of Colonels 
Procktor Lochry Smith^^ &c in ordor to find Coll 
Campble & fore othar Men Said to be Kild neer Con- 
nemoch,^* The Came to the hous & found Letters 



33 For Col. John Proctor see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 200, 
note Z7- 

Col. Archibald Lochry is noted ante, p. 39, note 79. 

The Colonel Smith here mentioned would seem to be 
James Smith, the well-known captive of 1755-59- He states 
in his book, Account of the Remarkable Occurrences (Dar- 
lington's edition, Cincinnati, 1870), p. 134, that he returned 
to Westmoreland County in 1778. His editor, however, finds 
documentary evidence to prove that he was there in the 
autumn of 1777, and probably he was the person here men- 
tioned. Born in 1737 he was captured at the age of eighteen, 
returned home in 1760, served in Bouquet's expedition in 
1764, and explored Kentucky two years later. Having settled 
in Westmoreland he was chosen to the Virginia convention 
of 1776, and a member of the assembly the following year. 
In 1779 he led an expedition up the Allegheny to destroy 
Indian towns. In 1788 he removed to Kentucky, where he 
died in 1812. — Ed. 

34 Charles Campbell was a descendant of the Argyle family, 
one of whom fled to America after the battle of Culloden. 
Charles settled and built a mill on Blacklick Creek, in the 
present Indiana County in early days a part of Westmoreland. 
He and four friends, Randall Laughlin, John Gibson and 
brother, and one Dickson w^ere out looking for horses. While 
preparing a meal in Laughlin's cabin they were surprised by 
a party of Indians, who told them that if they would surren- 
der they should not be harmed. Campbell was allowed (as 
this letter states) to append a note to a proclamation, telling 
of their capture. They were taken to Detroit, and afterwards 
to Canada, where three of them were exchanged, two — Dick- 
son and Gibson — having died in captivity. At the time of his 
capture, Campbell was lieutenant-colonel of the county, an 
office again given him after his return. Later he became 
county lieutenant, and as such was prominent in the West- 



COLLECTING RECRUITS 71 

Left their to the Same Porport of those Left by the 
Dead Bodyes at Kattaning Signed Guy Carlton, ouer 
Peeples Was attacted Whith Coll Lochry at thire 
Head about 5 or 6 Milles from Wallises MilP^ Wee 
Left one Campble Shot Dead on the Spot, he being in 
the front, the[y] Discovered only a Leven Indians, 
Wo all Made thire Escape Coll Campbile Wrote at 
the Bottom of one of M'' Carltons Letters That he & 
the fore Men that Was With him Was all takon Pris- 
nors & used Well This acct I have from thre of Coll 
Smiths Party Just Retorning Home 

M'"'' Hanna^^ informs Me this Morning that Shee 
Was informed two Days Since at Cap^ Lochrys, that 
M'" Kelley Was intended to Mouve Down the Contery 
in a few Days ; & that he Was at a Loss What to Do 



moreland defense during the Indian wars (1789-95). In 1827 
he was an associate judge of the county, and died about ten 
years later at his original seat on Blacklick Creek, Indiana 
County; see 7NN159. His brother Richard was on Lochry's 
expedition, being killed in the afifray. — Ed. 

35 Richard Wallace had a mill and blockhouse on McGee's 
Run, a branch of the Conemaugh, which was established as 
early as 1774. It was a centre for ranging parties, and was 
often attacked ; see post. Richard Wallace was with Lochry 
in 1781, and returned after captivity, only to be killed by In- 
dians four years later on an expedition to choose lands ; see 
on this attack, Penna. Archives, v, p. 741. — Ed. 

36 Mrs. Hanna was the wife of Robert, proprietor and inn- 
keeper at Hannastown. She was a woman of ability and 
character, and much revered in her neighborhood. In July, 
1782, she was captured at the siege of Hannastown. On that 
occasion she saved the life of Capt. Matthew Jack, by her 
resource and quickness in giving warning (6NN189). Taken 
to Detroit, she won favor with the Indians and British, was 
sent prisoner to Montreal, and at the Peace of Paris was re- 
stored to her home. — Ed. 



72 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

With your Creetters I am Sir your obedeant Hum- 
bel Servant 

Devereux Smith^^ 
To General Edward Hand 

To the Honnorable General Edward Hand Commanding 
The Forth Department Pittsburgh 



SIEGE OF FORT HENRY REPORTED 

[Col. David Shepherd to General Hand. 3NN147 — 
Transcript] 

Fort Henry, Sept^. 3d 1777. 
Sir — Whereas I have sent M'". Robinson^^ to you, 
who can inform you in particular of what happened 
us in our late dreadful action with the Indians, you 
may rely on him for the particulars, as he assisted 
through the whole of it, better than I can write to you 
at present. We stand in great need of provision & 
men, & likewise some cash to pay some of the work- 
men who have lost every thing they had & for some 

other purposes. M'". Robinson and myself have ad- 
vanced all that was in our power. Of the number of 
the dead and wounded, he can inform you. Our 
whole reliance now, Sir, must be on you for succour. 
I am, Sir, y^. humble serv*., 

David Shepherd 
Genl Hand. ., 



37 Devereux Smith was a prominent settler of Westmore- 
land County. During the troubles with Connolly in 1774, over 
the Pennsylvania- Virginia jurisdiction, he maintained the side 
of the former and was once arrested during the contest, and 
carried to Stanton. He held some office in the militia during 
the Revolution, and as late as 1795 was living three miles 
from Pittsburgh. — Ed. 

38 Capt. John Robinson, mentioned in Rev. Upper Ohio, 
pp. 230, 231, note 72. — Ed. 



ATTACK ON FORT HENRY 73 

[Col. John Gibson to General Hand. 1U91 — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt Sept^" 4th 1777 
Dear Sir — This moment I Recieved your letter, 
and accordingly have Examined all Major Smallmans 
papers which we coud find in presence of the persons 
you directed, we can find none but papers of an old 
date, I Immagine any others, if any, are out of the 
Way. Nothing material has happened since you left 
us, Simon Girty^^ made his Escape on Sunday, But 
he Returned next night and is now safe. We have a 
flying Report of Wheeling Being Attacked last Mon- 
day by a party of 100 hundred Indians, that Cap^ 
Mason sallied out with some of the Garrison and was 
wounded in the Hip and Wrist But I am in hopes the 
news is without foundation. Gen^ Howe is landed 
at Turkey point near Charles town in Maryland, this 
we have by Cap*'. Sullivan. I am Dear Sir with much 
Respect your most Obedient humble Serv^ 

Jn''. Gibson 

On the public Service For The Honourable Brigadier General 
Hand at Redstone 



39 Maj. Thomas Smallman and Simon Girty were both ac- 
cused of being concerned in the Loyalist plot. Smallman's 
papers were searched but no evidence found. Girty was 
placed in the guardhouse, whence he escaped but on the suc- 
ceeding day returned of his own accord. Girty thereafter 
served the patriot cause, but in March, 1778, escaped to the 
British. — Ed. 



74 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

RECRUITS FOR THE EXPEDITION 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Col. William Fleming. IU92 — 
A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt 7*^. Sepf. 1777 
Sir — on the 12*^ Ultimo I did myself the Honour 
of writing to you and requesting you to furnish 200 
men properly Officered and equiped for an Expedi- 
tion into the Indian Country, for Six months from 
the i^*. Inst, if so long wanted, and to order them to 
march to Fort Randolph on the Great Kanhawa as 
soon as possible, I can Assure you that what has 
Since happened encreases rather than lessens the 
necessity for Accellerating their March. I beg you 
may therefore Use every possible means to Accom- 
plish my desire, and Inform me by express when your 
men March & the time you expect them to Arive at 
Fort Randolph, the Inclosed you will please to for- 
ward to the Officer Commanding at the Kanhawa by 
the Troops that march from your County Your 

Obie*. Hble Serv*. tt u 4o 

Edw: Hand*" 

The County U. of Bottetourt 



[Gov. Patrick Henry to Col. William Fleming. 15ZZ11— L. S.] 

Wi"s.BURGH Sepi" 7th. 1777. 
Sir — Brigadier General Hand who is appointed by 
Congress to command the western Garrisons (the 



40 After dispatching this letter of Sept. 7 to Colonel Flem- 
ing, Hand received one from him dated Aug. 25, recounting 
the difficulties under which he labored in equipping and pro- 
visioning 200 men from his county. Hand therefore wrote 
Sept. II (Draper MSS., 2U2), saying that he would send 
flour by the first rise of the river, that cattle in abundance 
were already at Fort Randolph, and that the Botetourt mili- 



DIFFICULTIES 75 

Forts being under their Direction by Vote of our 
assembly) informed me that he should want the 
Assistance of Militia to chastize the offending Indians 
& desired permission from me to call out certain por- 
tions of them as the Safety of the Frontiers might 
require. In consequence, I did authorize him to call 
upon certain Countys & Botetourt among others, to 
furnish the necessary Number of men, & sent to each 
of the County Lieutenants Letters informing them 
respectively that they should comply with the Gen- 
erals Requisition. These Letters I sent to him & ex- 
pected he would forward them as he might have 
Occasion; for without such orders from me he well 
knew he had not Authority to call out the Militia. I 
find your Letter has miscarried. I wish you to com- 
ply with his Demand if possible. Indeed it is a deli- 
cate point as you observe, to march an Army ag^ the 
western Tribes; but really their offences are so fla- 
gitious, that the Measure of their Iniquity seems to be 
full. Defensive operations cannot be productive of 
Safety to the Inhabitants, who have suffered abom- 
inable cruelty s from the Savages. The Mingos are 
those whom the General wishes principally to scourge 
for the present. I am sorry for the Difficultys attend- 
ing the Measure with y"". Militia, but you will sur- 
mount them as well as you can. The continental com- 
missary being not on the Spot, I fear Obstructions on 
that account. I send an order for some Lead. Con- 
gress wants a large Quantity & I must be frugal of it. 



tia already sent to that garrison could be considered a part 
of the 200 requisitioned men. — Ed. 



76 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

I am glad to hear some Help is arrived at Kentucki.*^ 
Gen^ Hands operations will be effectual toward pro- 
tecting that Quarter. 

I beg Leave to congratulate you on the Success of 
our arms on the frontier of New York. Burgoine's 
Defeat if it is totally effected will deter the Indians. 
American affairs wear a promising aspect now. The 
Enemy who are landed at the Head of the Bay, are 
opposed by a well appointed Army ab^ 12,000 strong 
& that will soon be reinforced by as many Militia who 
are very eager to turn out. I wish you Health & Hap- 
piness & prosperity to y^. part of the country & am 
very respectfully Sir Y^ mo ob*. & very hble serv*. 

P. Henry 

P. S. The Evil of engrossing as practised with 
you, is a great one. It requires legislative authority 
to correct it. P. H. 



DISTRESS AT WHEELING 

[Maj. David McClure to Gen. Edward Hand. IU93— A. L. S.] 
Catfish Camp S^^. September 1777 
Sir — The Inhabitants of whelan are under Such 
Distress that the[y] are in hopes your Excellency will 
take them under your Consideration and Send them a 
party of Horses and men to Bring them into the 
Inhabitants as the have in Generall Lost all their 
Horses and Cannott Come in off themselves. Col°. 
Shepherd sent orders to Alex^ Douglass to bring 
down his Brigade of Horses to Assist the Inhabitants 
to Come in but s^. Douglass having rec^. orders from 



*i This refers to Col. John Bowman's militia companies. 
See ante, p. 31, note 63. — Ed. 



A CALL FOR HELP 77 

Col". Steel to Cross the mountain for Provision Could 
not obey Col°. Shepherds Orders, and Provisions is 
so Scarce at whelan that unless the Inhabitants are 
brought away the Provisions Cannott Last but a few 
days as the are obliged to Draw from the Publick 
Stores & Last friday there was but Seven Casks of 
Flower in the Store & Col°. Shepherd was affraid that 
unless your Excellency would order both men & Pro- 
visions down Immediatly he would be Obliged to 
evacuate the Garrison. I hope your Excellency will 
take those things under your Consideration & send 
them Immediate Assistance which will oblige your 
most humble Serv* 

David M^Clure*- 

P. S I wrote the above by order of CoP. David 
Shepherd he gave me the orders when I Left the 
Garrison Last friday evening. 

I believe Cap^ James Wright*^ Could Immediatly 
raise a party of men to Escort the Inhabitants if he 
Could get your Excellencys orders for it. 

His Excellency Generall Ed. Hand 



42 For this officer see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 234, note yy. — Ed. 

*3 Probably this was James Wright, who with his brother 
Joshua removed about 1765 from the Cumberland Valley and 
settled on Peter's Creek, in the present Washington County. 
James afterwards removed to Kentucky, and was there killed 
by Indians. — Ed. 



78 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

RAIDING IN GREENBRIER 

[Capt. John Van Bibber to Col. William Fleming. 3ZZ10 — 
A. L. S.] 
Captain John Van Bibbers** Fort Green Brier 
September 11*^1 1777 
HoN^ Sir : — Our present unhappy sittuation as well 

as the duty Incumbant upon me by the post the Coun- 
try has thought proper to honour me with, Lays me 
under the greatest obligation of solliciting you for aid 
of men which I as well as the rest of my Neighbours 
are not in the least dubious of ; When you hear the 
following Narrative of the Barbarity that was this 
day Commited by our most Inhumane & savage Ene- 
mys the Indians. The sequel runs as follows About 
Break of day this Morning they attacked the house of 
James Graham*^ which is sittuated within three hun- 
dred yards of the fort where they killed three and 
took one prisoner, and in about two hours afterwards 
a small Detachment of men which was going to the 
Assistance of some Adjacent Neighbours was again 
Attacked within two hundred yards of the Fort, when 
our Men gave them Battle & sustaind no damage only 
one man slightly wounded in the shoulder, what loss 
the Enemy sustaind is to us unknown, but we are in 
great hopes our men did some Execution as some 



4* For this fort and its builder see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 177, 
note 7 ; also p. 192. — Ed. 

*5 Col. James Graham was born in Ireland in 1741, and died 
at his Greenbrier home Jan. 18, 1813. His daughter Elizabeth, 
who was captured, was adopted by a member of the Cornstalk 
family of Shawnee. Her father ransomed her with great 
difficulty in 1785, and she married Joel Stodgill. Settling in 
Monroe County, she died there in 1858. For a full account 
of the capture, see West Virginia Magazine, Jan., 1905. — Ed. 



A GREENBRIER RAID 79 

of them had a tolerable good View of their Bodies, 
We got some few Implements belonging to them — 
Namely A Couple of Spears and Match Coats, Two 
Bows and a Case of Arrows & a scalping Knife. I 
hope you will be as assiduous as possible in sending us 
assistance of men. At the same time should be glad 
if you think proper to be Invested with such an Au- 
thority that I might have a small Body of men under 
my Command so that they may be under the Neces- 
sity of being Obedient to all Lawful Commands, and 
likewise that I may have the Liberty of sending out a 
Couple of Spies. Your Compliance with this request 
will greatly oblige all my Desolate Neighbours as well 
as Yr hble Serv* 

John Van Bibber 
Walter Kelwell [Caldwell], John Grimes [Gra- 
ham], James Grimes Negro fellow, kild; Elizab^^ 
Grimes, Prisoner; Isaac Taylor, Wounded. 



[James Henderson to Col. William Fleming. 3ZZ11 — A. L. S.] 

Fort Henrey*^ 
Honour^ S'". — this Morning I Rec^^ the folowing 
Acct. from And^. Kinkead*^ which is as folows — that 
he and Walter Caldwell was at James Greham on 
Green Brier River last wensday Night and a Thurs- 
day morning a litel before Day the Indians broke open 
the Dore upon them; and Shott Walter Caldwell & 



'^s This was a local Greenbrier fort, named for Governor 
Henry. Its location is not certainly known. — Ed. 

^"^ The Kinkeads were an Augusta County family, whence 
they removed in 1789 to Woodford County, Ky. Andrew was 
lieutenant of a ranging company under Capt. Andrew Lock- 
ridge. — Ed. 



80 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

kild one of Ja"". Grehams Children and Negro Fellos; 

and one of his Children is taken prisenor ; we are in 

great want of lead and 1 have sent up to the mines 

but Could not get Any. I have this Moment Rec^. 

Ace*', of Steel Loftus being murdred at the mouth of 

Indian Creek this Morning and what other Dammage 

is don is not yet known I, am Sr Your Humb^ & 

most Ob^ Serv^ 

Ja^ Henderson^'* 

Sept. i2tb 1/77 

On publick Service To Colo. William Fleming Botetourt 
County pi". Express. 



[Capt. John Stuart (Stewart) to Col. William Fleming. 
3ZZ12— A. L. S.] 

Sir — I Rec^ a letter from Cap* Arbuckle last night 
which I have herewith sent you. I was also allarmed 
at the same time with an acc*^ from James Graham 
about Sixteen miles down the river, who was yester- 
day attacked by a party of Indians at his house who 
killed Walter Caldwell as he was shuting the door to 
keep them out, several other persons were killed and 
taken at the same Time. I am told after the people 
got relief from Cap*^ Jn° Vanbibers who lives in sight 
of Grahams, & had taken in some of this Corps a 
smart firing was heard at Cap* Vanbibers what the 
Issue has been there I have not yet larned also a 
number of guns was heard by sundry persons in our 



*8 James Henderson was a brother of Col. John, noted in 
Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 183, note 16. The elder brother was with 
the Continental army, while the younger did militia duty at 
the frontier forts. By his father's will, James received large 
grants of land in Greenbrier County, where he became a 
prominent citizen and militia officer. — Ed. 



THE PEOPLE PORTING 81 

nighbourhood supposed to be at muddy creek fort 
about sundown last night I have sent of[f] some 
hands to see what they were but is not yet returned 
the people are in much confusion & flying to fort at 
Camp Union asoon as they got their women & Chil- 
dren someway secured shall endavour to take a party 
& pursue the enimy. They above acc^ came so Im- 
perfectly to me by sundry hands that I cannot pre- 
sume giving the particulars but I make no doubt you'l 
receive them from Cap* Vanbiber before this reaches 
you. I have taken the first opportunity of writing you 
as I was last night some distance from home, the 
guard for escorting the cattle to the point was gather- 
ing yesterday for this purpose, but this allarm has 
scaterd them again & I am convinced untill we are 
relieved by men from the Interior parts of the settle- 
ment no escort can again be raised here for we appear 
to be exceeding scarce of men & I have sent by the 
bearer to Cap* Hendry Smith to send a Serg. ['s] com- 
mand at least to assist the people in muddy creek who 
is very few in numbers, & I am afraid will be much 
distress'd (this I hope you'l approve off) there is a 
report amongst us that Troops are to be here from 
augusta in a few weeks on their march against the 
Ohio Indians but of this I have [not] been rightly In- 
formed how such an expedition has been proposed. 
I also find it very difficult to get good hands to go 
ascouting as the[y] complain of the wagges not being 
equal to half the Value they were formerly & those 
we had out has been som time returned & refused go- 
ing back again I hope you'l do what you think will 
be Best Soon as our present circumstances is very 



82 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

alarming" Whilst I remain with due respect Your 
Obd. Humb^ Servt 

John Stewart*'^ 

Septr. I2th 1777 

To the Colo William Fleming Commd. of Botetourt. 
Pi" Express. 

KITTANNEVG EVACUATED 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Capt. Samuel Moorhead, dated Hanna's 
Town, Sept. 14, 1777. Draper's calendar in 3NN67, 68.] 

Having found it impracticable to procure a rein- 
forcement for your post, & being convinced that in 
your present situation you are not able to defend 
yourself, much less to render the Continent any ser- 
vice, orders withdrawal from Kittanning bringing 
every thing away portable, leaving the houses & bar- 
racks standing; & to take post at John M'^Kibbin's 
house on White Pine Run, about six miles from the 
Allegheny river & four from the Kiskeminetas. 
There you will be joined by 50 or 60 who will assist 
you in erecting a small stockade fort for your & their 
own protection. Your duty will be to afford the 
neighboring settlements every possible assistance in 
securing themselves & their properties from the rav- 
ages of the enemy, & by small scouting parties to dis- 
cover any, & to give notice of the enemies parties.^" 



49 For a sketch of this officer see Dunmores War, p. 104. 
note 51. — Ed. 

50 This was Fort Hand, for which see ante, p. 41, note 
83.— Ed. 



MILITARY WEAKNESS 83 

SITUATION AT FORT HENRY 

[Col. David Shepherd to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U94 — A. L. S.] 
Fort Henry Setembr. 15*11. 1777 
Honour^. S^ — This if it Comes to hand will Inform 
you of the State of our Garrison, at this Juncture one 
Lieu^ & twenty Rank & file fit for duty, Sick & 
wounded one Captain Rank & file four, the Reasons 
for this Seeming Evacuating of the post is to be 
attributed to Sundry Reasons some of which I shall 
here undertake to Enumerate & first Notwithstanding 
my Repeated orders to Captain Ogle to Martch to 
this place, agreable to your orders to me I am now 
Informed that your Honour has Incouraged him to 
support the Beetch Bottom Station & that a further 
Reinforcement will be sent to that place as soon as 
possible 2^. I have understood that you have In- 
couraged the Settlement about Catfishes Camp to fort 
strongly there, and your honour would aford them a 
Magazain for that purpose, thirdly as the Term of 
Supplying the posts By draughts from the different 
Militia Company's Ended the first of September, I 
have not Been able Since that time to keep up the Sta- 
tions with a sufficient Guard of men partly for that I 
Expected this County's Quota of volantieres might 
Been made up to Go on the Expedition without being 
necessitated to draught for that purpose, which is 
still my opinion should an army martch into the Indian 
Country But notwithstanding our County men have 
been so Stiddy on service during the whole Summer 
that they in General protest against serving longer on 
the Station & what men I have now in garrison are 
only held upon my promise of being dismissed as soon 



84 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

as Relief Comes Col°. Zackwell Morgan wrote me 
that he had order'd out Capt'^: Brenton'^ with fifty 
men for our ReHef, But he having not yet ariv^. I 
have therefore for that Reason together with those 
above Recited thout it advisable to Retain Lieut James 
Spark & party untill such time as M'": Brenton's Re- 
lieve or some other shall arive I am of the opinion if 
your honour Could Consistantly spare for the use of 
this Garrison a Regular Lieu^ : or Capt" : & twenty five 
Regular Soldiers to Join & intermingle with the Mili- 
tia Business might much more advantageously be 
Transacted for the Interes of the Country in particu- 
lar with Respect to the Laying in of provition in 
store for should any pressing orders be given to the 
Militia at this time you may be assured that the Gar- 
rison would be abandoned in three hours for the Ex- 
periment has been try'd since the late action the Con- 
sequence of which was that the men woud fling their 
Budget & Gun over the Stockade & Slip out of the 
Gate unarm'd & Run off I have sent you Inclosd 
the Bill of Costs for Repairing this fort & hope that 
your honour will Send the money p'' the Barer M'". 
Zachariah Blackford'^'- whose Rect: shall avail Death 
or Captivation only Excepted, the particulars of the 
late action on the first of Septemb'' last is as follows : 
I Lieu*^ : Killd & fourteen privates ; Wounded one Cap- 
tain & four privates ; Escaped, five privates ; on the 2^ : 



^^ For Capt. James Brenton of Monongalia County, see 
Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 231, note 73. — Ed. 

^- Capt. Zephaniah Blackford was commissary for Fort 
Henry. The Shepherd Papers (Draper MSS.) contain num- 
bers of his receipts and other papers during this period of 
the war. His later history is not known. — Ed. 



OUTRAGES BY BORDERERS 85 

of Septemb'" was kill^. within five miles of this place 
Two, one scalps, yet alive; & one Missing; By the 
Best Judges here who have seen the plan Laid by the 
Indians & their Brestworks & blinds in the late action 
it is thought their Numbers must not have Been less 
than Between Two and three hundred the Destruc- 
tion amongst Cattle Sheep horses hogs is not yet asser- 
tainable, the other day a number of the distressed 
families mov'd off yet a number Remain, for want of 
horses This from S^: your very humb^ Serv^ : to 

Command &c 

David Shepherd 

To His Honour General Edward Hand P^ Express 



INDIANS MURDERED BY FRONTIERSMEN 

[Gov. John Page to Gen. Edward Hand. 3NN 163, 164— 
Transcript.] 
Wms.BURGH, Va. IN COUNCIL, Sept. l/^^ 1777 

Sir — Y''. letter of 25^^^ Aug^ is just come to hand, 
in w'\ you apologize for y'". large draughts of militia 
you have found it necessary to make. I can only ob- 
serve. Sir, that the Board are perfectly satisfied with 
the steps you have taken, but are afraid that the late 
requisition from Congress for 1/3 of the militia of 
several of the Counties you had called on, may inter- 
fere with your plan, & the men you may receive may 
fall considerably short of your expectations. * * * 

I cannot conclude without expressing our earnest 
desire that you wall endeavor to discover & bring to 
justice the perpetrators of the horrid murders com- 
mitted on the Indians at their late Treaty at Fort Pitt, 
which must otherwise expose us to the shameful re- 
proach of being as treacherous & perfidious as the 



86 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 



^ 



worst of savages. ^^ We are the more shocked at this 
affair which would be disgraceful to the most bar- 
barous nation, as it is a repetition of the same cruel & 
faithless behavior which the Cherokees experienced 
from us on a late similar occasion. I have the honor 

to be &c 

John Page 



MESSAGES TO THE DELAWARES 

[Gen. Edward Hand to the Delawares. IU96 — L. S.] 

Fort Pitt Sepf. 17*11, 1777 

Brothers the Delawares — I lately told you it 
would be dangerous for any Indians to come near to 
this Place, owing to the foolish Conduct of the Min- 
go's & Wiandots, & therefore for fear of any Mistake 
I desired you not to send any Messengers this Way or 
to allow your young Men to scatter too much I sent 
this word by our Brother Meymaconon & young Kil- 
buck. I now confirm them. 

Brothers, As I have Reason to rely on the good 
faith & friendship of our Brothers the Delawares, I 



•53 This treaty did not take place, for there were in atten- 
dance only a few Delawares, who left hostages for their good 
conduct. On the attitude of the frontiersmen towards the 
friendly Indians, see Gibson's letter of Aug. i, ante. Morgan 
wrote March 15, 1777 : "Parties have even been assembled to 
massacre our known friends at their hunting camps as well 
as messengers on business to me; and I have esteemed it 
necessary to let those messengers sleep in my own chamber 
for security" — Craig, History of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, 
1851), p. 14T. Heckewelder relates that a party of Seneca 
coming to this treaty were fired upon by the white inhabi- 
tants. This is the incident to which Page refers; see John 
Heckewelder, Narrative of the Mission of the United Breth- 
ren Among the Delaware and Mo hegan Indians (FhWa., 1820), 
p. 159.— Ed. 



LETTERS TO THE DELAWARES 87 

send the Bearer M''. James Elliot^* to inform you of 
the News of our grand armies, the cattle who you 
were told were pen'd up, have broke down the fences 
& trampled their Keepers to Death. 

Brothers, The News Papers will give you a full 
Account of the great Battles our armies have gained. 
The Indians who were so foolish as to join our Ene- 
mies have found their Mistake & those who have not 
run away are quite sick of their Conduct. The 
Oneidas & Tuscororas have joined our army & are 
now in Pursuit of the Enemy. 

Brothers, I expect very soon to send you an agree- 
able Account of another Battle as Genl. Howe who 
had run away from the Jerseys on board of his ves- 
sells has now landed with his army in Maryland 
whither Genl. Washington has gone with our army to 
drive the red Coats on board their Ships again. He 
will do little damage except stealing our sheep & 
Poultry 

Brothers, I send M^ Elliott not only to tell you 
this good News but to assure you that I am deter- 
mined to preserve your friendship by a sincere & up- 
right Conduct toward you agreeable to the repeated 
Orders of Congress. And notwithstanding foolish 
People occasioned a Cloud to overspread our Council 
fire & have filled the Road between you & me with 
Briars & Thorns I will soon clear the path & make it 
as broad & plain as ever, for this has been and is now 
the wish of all our wise Men, as a Testimony of my 
sincerity I sign & send you this. 



5* James Elliott was an Indian trader whose home was in 
the settlement known as Path Valley, in Franklin County, 
Pa.— Ed. 



88 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Brothers, What I have told you is true but do not 
desire you to depend on Words alone. If you send 
to the Northward your Messengers may see with their 
own Eyes. 

Brothers, If your Messengers get up to go for 
News I desire they may go the whole way & not take 
the reports of People they may meet on the Road. 

Brothers, Your Uncles the Wiandots the foolish 
People on Scioto & every other Indian Tribe that has 
listened to the Advice of Governor Hamilton & Butler 
will see when it is too late that those Men do not 
regard the Interest of the Indians & will find them 
ready to tread them under their feet when they can't 
be of no further Use to them. 

Brothers, You will be fully satisfied of my friend- 
ship when you see my Messenger M'". James Elliott. 
I desire you to use him well & give him what he wants 
for which I will pay you as soon as I can see you. I 
desire you will also send by him all the News you 
have in Writing & convey him safe from all your 
Towns as far as may be necessary. 

Brothers, Be strong & adhere to your Professions 
& depend on the friendship of your Brother 

EDW<i. Hand 



[Gov. John Page to the Delawares. 1U97.] 

W^s.BURGH Septr. 18. 1777 
Brothers the Delaw*" — I write now to you, by our 
Brother Col. Geo: Morgan to assure you that the 
State of Virginia is determined to hold fast the chain 
of friendship with and support you as she would her 
own children against all your Enemies as long as the 



LETTERS TO THE DELAWARES 89 

Sun or Moon shall shine & rivers flow. The same 
assurance the Col. will give from all our 13 United 
States for now B''^ these states of america have broken 
off the galling Yoke of the English & act for them- 
selves they have been cruelly treated by the English 
who have grown proud & insolent by the great riches 
they had acquired in their Trade with our States & 
by the Assistance we lent them in their Wars with the 
french & other Nations as you can well remember, 
began to treat us not like their Children, as we fool- 
ishly called ourselves but like their slaves & because 
we complained of this Brothers & entreated their cruel 
King to let us enjoy the same Liberty we enjoyed 
under the old King his Grandfather he insulted us & 
sent his fleets & armies to frighten us into a Tame sub- 
mission to his will, we bore long with many cruelties 
still hoping that we should not be forced to break of¥ 
from that Nation & shift for ourselves, but at last 
when they had killed many of our People burned our 
Houses & had endeavoured to make all the Indian 
Nations on our frontier butcher our Women & Chil- 
dren, & the very Negroes born in our own Houses 
cut our Throats, the 13 States laid hold on one strong 
bright Chain of friendship, & resolved to be as one 
People for ever and to take up the Hatchet & knock 
off the hard Chains the English had bound them with 
& with that Hatchet to clear their way to Liberty & 
Peace, whoever strikes one of these States strikes 
all & all will return the Blow the English know this 
& have felt the weight of it & have therefore told you 
lies & endeavoured to prevail on you to help them to 
fight us, but consider well that God almighty has 



90 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

seen their wickedness & heard their Lies & has there- 
fore stretched out his hand to help us & has con- 
founded almost all their cruel Schemes, we trust in 
God he is now our King & not a weak & foolish Man 
from him who is King of Kings & Gov'", of all the 
World we expect support & we call on you yourselves 
to say whether we have not reed, it from him for how 
else did it happen B^^ that the English who were so 
great a Nation with all the fleets & armies they Could 
raise have not been able in two Years to conquer one 
of our 13 States how otherwise can it be accounted 
for that we who had neither arms or Soldiers have 
now an abundance of both & that in several Battles 
with them we have Killed many of their Soldiers 
without loosing a Man we scorn to lie as they do 
we acknowledge that they have taken some of our 
Towns & that they still have a large army in one of 
our States, but we deny that they can ever conquer us 
or inclose us in a Pen like Bullocks as they falsely 
told you, our Way is open even on the Sea, where 
they are Most powerful for we trade with france & 
Spain Nations great & powerful now as England & 
as to being penned in by Indians the Cherokees know 
how unable they were to keep us in & that the English 
could not have hindered Us from destroying their 
whole Nation, if we had Chosen it & had not merci- 
fully spared them, they have seen their folly we 
have forgiven them, & are now friends,^^ Brothers 
we are not like the English cruel & unrelenting we 
would forgive even them if they would leave oflF kill- 



^•5 For a good account of the Cherokee War of 1776 see 
Roosevelt, Winning of the West, \, chap. xi. — Ed. 



LETTERS TO THE DELAWARES 91 

ing our People we have lately got the better of them 
in several Engagements & our army is now much 
larger than theirs so that we hope that they will soon 
carry them away to their own Country & leave us to 
ourselves, if they do we will forgive them, & not 
follow to fight them but trade peaceably with them 
when they send their People here to buy our Tobacco 
& Wheat & your skins & furs & many other Things 
which they will want & which we can let them have 
for their Goods. I hope I have now opened your 
Eyes Brothers that you may see your Way clearly & 
your Ears that you may hear the Truth let them not 
be stopped again. Hold fast the Chain of friendship 
with our States & remember that we look upon you as 
B^^ born under the same Sky & living on the same 
Land & having the same Common Interests. We love 
you & sincerely Wish Peace & Happiness to all our 
Indian B'^ We do not wish that they should ever 
fight for us none but the cruel English & their friends 
wish to see you engaged in a War. they indeed strong 
as they pretend to be, would prevail on you to help 
them to fight & I suspect have killed some of your peo- 
ple & then told you ours had killed them trust them 
not Brothers believe them no more but remember 
what I have told you & listen to our Brother Col. 
Morgan. I am Y'". friend & Brother 

John Page 
L*. Gov^ 

[Col. George Morgan to the Delawares. IU97 — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt 18 SeptJ". 1777 
Brothers the Delawares — You know that I 
never deceived you. It is my advice that you take 



92 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Care of your young Men, & I hope the Clouds which 
now interrupts our sight of each other will soon van- 
ish. 1 intend to go immediately to Philad^. to give 
an account of my Conduct to the great Council there. 
And I will not fail to assure them how strong you are 
in good Works. You may depend on their making 
the Sky clear again if you will assist them as you have 
done. Immediately after my Arrival there you shalli 
hear from me if it is in my Power. You may expect a 
Messenger from me about the i^^. day of next Nov''. 
when you shall know the Minds of Congress. Till 
then I desire you will wait with Patience & continue 
to be strong in good Works that we may tie down all 
those who study to do Mischief. 

I committ M"". Zeisberger &c. to your particular 
Care. He is sent to you from Heaven for your own 
Good, therefore be strong & do not let him suffer on 
any account. 

Brothers, I desire you will give good Counsel to 
your Grand children the Shawanese & repeat this 
Message to them 

I desire your Message to me may [be] directed for 
me at Philad^. & that you will send it open under 
Cover to Genl. Hand who will read it & then forward 
it to me at the great Council by Express. 

I therefore expect 3^ou will speak plain to me & tell 
me your whole Minds that Congress may see your 
Hearts. 

I desire you will get M''. Zeisberger to write for you. 

Taimenend.^® 



56 This was Colonel Morgan's Indian name, given to him 
by the Delawares. It was probably the same as the modern 
Tammany. — Ed. 



THE DELAWARES' REPLY 93 

RAID ON MONONGAHELA 

[Col. Zackwell Morgan to Gen. Edward Hand, Sept. i8. 
1U98— A. L.] 

May it please your Excellency — On the 13''^. Instant 
at Coones Fort on the west fork the Indians killed and 
sculped a woman only 150 yards from the Fort, and 
Appeared to be Very impudent.^" Whoever the In- 
habitants seem to be Very Willing to Stand (if your 
Excellency Pleases to let them have Amunition, as 
what I Rec^. I have Distributed to the Different Forts 
and have not any left I must Request your Excellency 
to give an order on Colol Brown for what Quantity 
you shall think Edaquit for the Defence of the Inhabi- 
tants, of this Part of the Country I Expect to be 
Down in A few days, after I get my Drove of Cattle 
Delivered, I shall drive in a few days with what 
Colo'. Evans^^ can Collect. I am Sir Your most Obe- 
dient and Most Hum'. Sarv. 

[Z. Morgan] 

P. S please send by the bearer 3 quir paper 
To His Excellency Edward Hand Fort Pit P^ Express 



REPLIES FROM THE DELAWARES 

[David Zeisberger to Gen, Edward Hand. 1U99.] 

Cuchachunk59 Sepf. 22^. 1777. 
May it please your Excellency: 

Sir,- -As Capt. White Eye will endeavour to try if 
he can get this Letter to the fort, I inclose here a Let- 
ter to the Honble. Congress because I suppose accord- 



^'^ For a detailed account of this incident see Thwaites, 
Withers' s Chronicles, pp. 218, 219. — Ed. 
^^ For this officer see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 234, note 78. — Ed. 
^^ For this town see Ibid, p. 46, note y^- — Ed. 



94 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

iiig to the account we had that M^ Morgan by this 
Time had left the Fort. Capt. White Eye & the 
Councellors Are very sorry that the Communication 
and Correspondence with you is stopped & they shall 
hear Nothing now from you not knowing in what 
Condition they are and what they have to expect, be- 
cause we heard that the White People would come & 
attack Cuchachunk & the delaware Towns which has 
set all the Indians in Consternation & fear, expecting 
every day that they will be upon them. A late Report 
we had that the white People were already on their 
March hither caused our Indians at Gnadenhutten*^'^ 
to fly & left their Town and we are now altogether 
here nigh Cuchachunk. Therefore, pray Sir, let us 
know if we the Christian Indians, or the Delawares 
are in any Danger, & if we have any Thing to fear of 
the white People. I cannot leave my People the 
Christian Indians for I see it before hand that they all 
will be scattered if I leave them & the Brethren's 
Labour which they so many Years and with so much 
Difficulty have continued with success would be en- 
tirely lost. I venture my Life & am resolved to hold 
out with them relying next [to] our Lord & blessed 
Saviour on your Protection & Assistance. I hope you 
will remember us, & as much as lies in your Power to 
assist us that we may be able to keep our Ground & 
remain in Possession of our Towns. Capt. White 
Eyes and the Delaware Chiefs are yet determined to 
stand fast and not to meddle with the War, they 
want to live in friendship with the white People if 
they only knew that the white People has no bad 



6« For this town see Ibid, p. 45, note 71. — Ed. 



THE DELAW ARES' REPLY 95 

design against them. As long as they remain quiet 
and peaceable I with my People shall keep with or 
nigh them, but should we see that they drop the friend- 
ship, then we should be obliged to seperate ourselves 
from them. But when they hear they have nothing to 
fear of the white People it will cheer up their spirits 

6 be quiet. The Wiondots & Mingoes are all gone 
home again according to their Knowledge they killed 
14 People at Weelunk, had one Wiondat killed & 6 or 

7 Wounded one of the last died since. Wiondough- 
walind's^^ son & another of his Company are badly 
wounded & it is said will hardly live. Both Capt^. 
At present we know that 40 of the Wiondats are gone 
it is said to Weelunk^- of any more that are out we 
know not. From Sandusky we hear that at Detroit 
they were gathering Men to meet the army which they 
expect to come up there. Pray let me know if pos- 
sible with this opportunity if Messengers could come 
safe to the fort, & if it was dangerous for Indians 
perhaps we could send a white Man in Case of Neces- 
sity that we might hear from one another I am Sir 
Y"-. most Hble. Serv*. 

D. ZlESBERGER 
[White Eyes to Congress. lUioc] 

CUCHACHUNK Scpf. 22^. 1777. 

Capt. White Eyes Message to the Honhle. Congress 
of the thirteen United States. 

Brother, — When I was at Pittsburgh last I ac- 
quainted M"". Morgan of all what passed in the Indian 



61 This is the chief noted Ihid, p. 46, note 75. — Ed. 

62 Probably those who ambuscaded Foreman and his men. 
See post. — Ed. 



■I 



FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 



,fii% Country, that the Wiondats, Mingoes and others were 

f^ coming to strike our Brethren the Virginians, & that 

^^'^ it was no more in my Power to stop them, that they 

would march by Cuchachunk, as they also did, and 

; we could not hinder it because they were too strong. 

I informed M'". Morgan that Wiondoughwalind with 

*'* • his Men had joined them. They marched from hence 

the fort at Weelunk, from whence they returned 

^ain, where they told the White People that they 

fame from Cuchachunk. 

Brother, As I see the dark Clouds arising over my 

lead, I still hold fast to the chain of friendship, and 

nc^ mori^^Jtgkn^ ever, But since the Battle at Wee- 

ib5' the account we had, as if you would 

p;. b^iuse you heard that these 

tltey ca%ie from Cuchachunk, 'tho 

d that their Chief Design was to 

le upon us to strike us. 

with one another to hold fast 
tin of friendship which our 
ancestors irav^ made, and as a token that my heart was 
good and upright, I left two of my Men at the fort to 
keep the roaa^ open between us & you, that we might 
hear from oife^-^,nother. 

Brother. I clioose M''. Morgan to transact Busi- 
ness & to assist us in the good Work of Peace & 
friendship & I always found him to be true upright & 
faithful. I also believe you know him likewise to be 
so, Let us therefore not drop our friendship for the 
sake of a bad Word of some foolish People. It is a 
Work of great Importance which the Honble. Con- 
gress of the thirteen United States has undertaken 




BUILDING FORT HAND % ; 

and continued until now. I should be very sorry that 
our Communication with one another should be 
stopped entirely. 

Brother. We made out with one another, that if 
an Army should march in the Indian Country it 
should take its march above & below our Towns that 
our Women & Children might remain quiet & not be 
too much frightened, which I hope you will remember 
and order it to be done according to our agreement. 

This is all Brother, I have to say at present, pray 
let us hear an answer from you as soon as possible. 
Your Sincere friend & Brother, 

White Eys;* 




FORT HAND BUILT 

[Capt. Samuel Moorhead to Gen. Edward Hand." 
A. L. S.] 
John McKibbens's House Se^. 22^!S777 
Dear General — Arrived here last night with the 
Greatest Deficulties 1 ever had in niy life, with Pack- 
horses hevy loaded bad pack And untoward loading. 
Have Obeyd your Oarders as well As I Possably 
cou'd though it was not in my power to Accomplish 
the whole for the want of horses, likewise had an 
anvile And Some Other things that the people Coud 
not get Along And hid them in the woods. Hid an- 
other load by the way By reason of a horse Giveing 
Out in the Rear, thursday Night rec^. your oarders, 
f riday we spent in Packing, Saterday morning verry 
early Orderd the g[a]tes to be cut down and burnd 
As soon as them and part of the Stockades was set 
on fire The indeans Set to hupeing on a hill About 200 
7 



98 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Yards from the fort we Cou'd just perceive them 
through the fog. I inquird By an interpreter who 
the[y] were or if they wanted to fight us they an- 
swerd they did. I told them to Come on they an- 
swerd they woud shortly, but we herd no more of 
them that day, yestard[ay] morning we march'd 
before day. One of My boys went back About half 
a mile for a shot bag and Powder horn, just as he 
got to the gate they rais'd a shoking huping and yaling 
in a Swamp just at the back of the fourt, he came off 
[being] descovrd suposed by their Sound there was 
a great maney. Came unmolested within about 2 
miles of this place where our advansd Party was fird 
on by a party of indeans, our peopls arms was in bad 
Oarder by reason of the wet wether, which obleged 
them to retrate, they persud a little way nerly in 
Sight of the frunt of the party, two of my best men 
is a mising, but from what I Can learn, Am in hop[e]s 
one or both of them has made their escape. Thirty- 
five men has Assisted me in Coming here But there 
is verry few of them that I can prevale upon to Stay, 
Only the time that this express will be Coming back 
from your Honnour. Nor have I any Account of 
any more coming I expect to be treated in the Same 
manner here that I was at the Kittaning, by the Meli- 
tia. The indeans Apear to be verry Plenty in this 
Settlement by their tracks, the nomber my people 
Saw last evning was but Six though there apeard to 
be more by their Signes. Some of our people Say 
they heard indeans this day but am uncertain. Our 
Beef Cattle ran away ten days ago was not able to 
send a sofitient party to bring them back Untill M"". 



BUILDING FORT HAND 99 

Jack came out, and hering of A removil thought it not 
prudent to send for them then, they have been tract 
through this Settlement expects they are near Fourt 
pit at this time, they are 19 in nomber. I would not 
chuse this situation for a fort by reason of a large 
thickety bottom about 100 yards distant, Though 
your Pleasure Shall be verry Agreeable to your Hum- 
ble Servant providing we get Assistance which I can 
have but little dependance upon Am Dear General, 
with Respect Yr Mst. Obdt Huml Serv*. 

SamI Moorhead 

Returns you harty thanks for the newspaper it is 
all the medesin of the kind that has done me any good 
this long time. 

Had to destroy two loads of flour. Put some mede- 
sion in part of it that may be of Some Service to the 
blks [blacks — Indians]. Have inclosed a Return of 
the Stores brought to this place. The Commisary had 
a wrong idea of the quantity of flour the last return. 
My men have done verry extrorny duty for some time 
past part of them has been three nights together 
upon guard and the greater part of them has not in 
the least Complaind knowing the necessity for it. 
they are now in wors Situation then before lying out 
in the open fields without blankets or Clothing fit for 
the Season of the year, the flux has been through a 
great many of them, are all recovrd except two 

S. M. 
On public Service Generl Hand Commanding the Westrin 

Departement. Fort pitt Per express 



100 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

WORD PROM THE MUSKINGUM 

[Capt. White Eyes's Message to Col. Morgan. 6ZZ7.] 

CUCHACHUNK Sepf. 23d 1777 

Brother, — I was exceeding glad to see your Mes- 
sengers coming to me & so much more I rejoiced to 
see them because I was already [at] a Loss what to 
do, to get some Intelligence from you, and I was just 
ready to send a Messenger to the fort when M^. Elliott 
and his Company arrived to my great Joy & to the Joy 
of all my Men Women & Children. For 210 War- 
riors, Wiandots, Mingo's & other Nations who had 
joined & taken up the Tomhawk & struck our Broth- 
ers the Virginians had also agreed as we heard that 
when they should have struck the Virginians they 
would come here & leave the Tomhawk sticking in our 
heads, because they said we were Virginians. It is 
but a few Days ago since these Warriors went through 
our Town saying with great Joy, it would not be long 
that this Town would be no more. They went about, 
killed our Creatures & when the Women spoke any- 
thing about their Behaviour, they struck them & said 
we only kill your Creatures, but others will Come & 
knock you in the Head. 

Brother, Therefore I am glad to hear you, that 
you encourage me to be strong and so I will do. That 
the other Nations have served me so ill shall not dis- 
courage nor make me faint, the faster I shall take 
hold to our Chain of friendship. You told me likewise 
that I should keep my young Men together & not let 
them scatter which I shall do they having already de- 
clared their Minds to me that they will do what I shall 
advise them. I have acquainted you that before this 



FROM THE MUSKINGUM 101 

Wiondoughwalend with his Men won't obey nor listen 
to me, but I am in hopes when they see that we are 
strong in keeping our Agreement that they will listen 
to me yet. 

Brother, Let us be strong for our road is stopped 
& filled with Briars, Thorns & Logs, but I am very 
glad to hear from you, that there is hopes that it will 
be open again soon. 

Brother, I shew you my heart that it is good & 

upright & you assure me before God Almighty that 

our Agreement of friendship will last as long as the 

Sun shineth, so I assure you likewise that I shall hold 

& keep to it so long as the Sun shall shine. Your 

Brother 

Capt. White Eyes 



[David Zeisberger to Gen. Edward Hand. 6ZZ8.] 

CUCHACHUNK Scptr. 23d. 1 777 

May it please your Excellency 

Dear Sir — I wrote to you yesterday & in the Even- 
ing your Messengers arrived at Cuchachunk to our 
great Joy & Comfort when I immediately in the Night 
was fetched where I read yours and M''. Morgan's 
Speech to the Counsil when all rejoiced exceedingly 
as well over the good News you communicated to 
them as also especially when they heard that they had 
Nothing to fear, of the White People, & we can now 
thank God be quiet & without fear. I send the Letter 
I wrote Yesterday as it is, & inclosed here is a Mes- 
sage again to Col. Morgan. The Indians who shall 
conduct the Messengers to the river shall have the 
Packet in their Care in Case any Accident should hap- 



102 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

pen by the Way, 'till they shall part from them & 
then deliver it to M"". Elliott. Yesterday we had the 
following Intelligence which was sent by Wiondough- 
walend to the Council here, to which so much more 
Credit we can give as he is no friend to the Virgin- 
ians, Viz*, that the Twightees [Miami] had rec'd the 
Tomhawk Belt from the Gov'', at Detroit which they 
took home with them & called the Head Men & Capt^ 
of their Nation & the Wawiaghtana [Ouiatanon] & 
Kickapoos &c^ together to consult about it when they 
all agreed not to take the Tomhawk but to follow the 
Example of their Grandfather the Delawares of whom 
they had heard by a Messenger that he would not 
receive the Tomhawk whereupon the Twightees sent 
it back again to the Gov'', and said it would be the ruin 
of their Nation if they took it. Another Piece of 
News we had from the same Quarter, — That some 
Tawas & Chipways had been to war & were returned, 
who related, that they had attacked a fort at Kentucke 
where they fought awhile till on both Sides a Number 
was killed, when the white People hailed the Indians 
and desired them to come nigh and to speak with 
them which they refused to do & called the white 
People out; upon which one or two went out of the 
fort, & spoke with them, and told them that were 
sorry to see the dead bodies of both sides lying there, 
but neither they the Tawas & Chipways nor the white 
People were the Cause of it, but their father the Gov'', 
over the Lake was the cause of it, they should blame 
him for it. That after this the white people invited 
them to the fort treated them handsomely & let them 



FROM THE MUSKINGUM 103 

go home in Peace.^^ This News Capt. White Eyes 
desired me to inform you of. By information of a 
white Man from Detroit who came here two days ago 
but doth not choose to have his Name mentioned I can 
give you the following Account. That there are six 
Companies of Militia amounting to about 300 Men in 
the whole. The English are all for America. About 
70 Men in Garrison only. An Entrenchment is round 
the fort on the Land Side & about 50 Pieces of Can- 
non in the fort & 7 Pieces of Cannon on the Wharff. 
If an Army should come against the fort every Man is 
to march out to meet it & they are to be reinforced 
from Niagara. Great Store of Provision is at Detroit 
& the Inhabitants full of Cattle. At the Sandusky 
there is 100 Head of Cattle & the People to whom they 
belong will have Nothing against it if they fall in the 
Hands of the Army. Six Vessels on the Lake the 
largest two of 16 Guns. If an Army should march 
there late then there will be a large Cargo of Goods at 
Sandusky. I beg the favour to forward the inclosed 
Packet to Lancaster by which you will oblige all the 
Brethren down the Country very much who will im- 
patiently wait to hear from us. I am, Sir Y'". most 
Hble. Serv^ 

D. ZlESBERGER. 



63 Boonesborough and the other Kentucky stations were 
repeatedly besieged during the summer and autumn of 1777; 
but no such affair as this reported to White Eyes is known 
to have occurred. The truth was, that a relieving force of 
48 men entered Boonesborough Sept. 13, coming from the 
Yadkin under command of Capt. William Bailey Smith. 
Some lurking Indians withdrew and reported that 200 white 
warriors had come to relieve the fort, and it was now useless 
to attack it. See Draper MSS., 4B137, where Dr. Draper cites 
this letter of Zeisberger. — Ed. 



104 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

TROOPS FOR THE EXPEDITION 

[Capt. John Bowyer to Col. William Fleming. 1U102 
A. L. S.] 

D"" Sir — I received yours by the express but I am 
railey at a loss what to do, your orders was so long 
a Coming I did expect that no men was to Go on 
the Indian expedition from this qarter and upon my 
hearing that the Enemy was a penetrateing some Con- 
siderable Distance into Pensylvania I determind to 
Raise 100 VoUenteers and go and Joine Gen^ Washing- 
tons Army and expected to have march^. on Tuesday 
next but did not attemp it before Last Sunday when 
I made shure that the men would not be wanted for 
the Indian expedition as it was so late in the season 
the men seems to be Willing to go with the Greatest 
Cheerfullness Each man was to have his horse and 
7 or 8 days provision with a good Rifle I want much 
to be their myself however I would be loath to have 
it said that I by any means had a hand in disapoint- 
ing the Indian Expedition. I shall without delay do 
as you have directed me and appoint the officers in 
this quarter Imediately to get the Number of men 
Either by VoUenteers or drafts from their Companys 
without delay and march with all expedition to the 
place of Rondevouse but I am afraid it will take some 
time before they will be got Ready as they will have 
everything to prepair for the Campain I feel from 
my Very hart for our poor Country men to The 
Northward and should have march^ on Tuesday with- 
out fail had not these orders Come to hand how it 
will be now I Cannot Tell one of the other will fail 
but if I thought that the Indian expedition would be 



RAISING TROOPS 105 

Carried into execution this season I would decline my 
Going to General Washington but if I do I am afraid 
we will be disapointed in both if I was to go it will 
be an excellent Company of Rifel men and Cannot 
help thinking that we would be of as much service to 
our Country their as we Could be any where at this 
time Especially as it is so late in the year I could 
wish I had your advice upon the Ocasion I am loath 
to do any thing that I thought would be a prejudice 
to my Country but would do every thing in my Power 
that I thought would be for the Advantage of it had 
not these orders Come to hand at this time I should 
Certainly gon down and brought you up a true acc*^. of 
our Proceeding at Camp how it will be now I know 
not I am Certain the men Cannot be got to go to 
fort Randolph if I Proceed according as I was deter- 
mined to do before these orders Come to hand the 
Augusta Troops are now at Cars Creek and are to 
march from that place in about two day 

I am D*". Sir with the Greatest Sincearity y'". most 
Obed*. & Very hble Serv*. 

John Bowyer^* 
Sepr. 24th. 1777 

To Colo. "William Fleming Botetourt p^. Express 



64 John Bowyer, son of Capt Michael Bowyer, settled in 
1753 on Borden's Grant in Augusta County, Va., where he 
was for a time employed as schoolmaster. Later he married 
one of Borden's heirs, and became a substantial man in the 
community, being captain of militia (1763), justice of the 
peace (1770), and land commissioner (1776). In 1781 he en- 
listed a company of Rockbridge militia and joined Lafayette 
in the defense of Virginia, being wounded (July 6) at James- 
town Ford. He lived near Lexington and died on his estate 
in 1806, leaving no children. — Ed. 



106 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

FOREMAN'S DEFEAT 

[Col. David Shepherd to Gen. Edward Hand. 6ZZ9.] 

Fort Henry Sepf. 27. 1777. 

To his Excy. General Hand. 

Early yesterday a Party of 46 Men under the Comd. 
of Capt". foreman*^^ & Ogle set out on a scouting 
Party, they Purpose reconnoitering as far as Cape- 
teening^^ & making their ret", in 3 or 4 Days on their 
Arrival at Grave Creek they found the Place burned 
down®^ & all the Canoes or Crafts destroyed or carried 
off. this brought them to a resolution of returning as 
they could not conveniently cross the river. By 5 
Men returned of whom Col. Linn is one,^^ we learn 
that about 11 oClock [this] forenoon they were fired 
on a little above M'^Mahan's Narrows by a large body 
of Indians who lay concealed between them & the 
river & put our Men to flight such as did not fall 



*^5 Nothing is known of the previous life of Capt. William 
Foreman of Hampshire County. He came with a company 
of militia to take part in Hand's projected expedition and 
was sent to the relief of Wheeling. It is apparent from the 
accounts of contemporaries that Captain Foreman was un- 
familiar with Indian warfare, and incautious as to an am- 
buscade. His son Hamilton was killed in the melee. — Ed. 

66 Captina Creek, eighteen miles below Wheeling, on the 
Ohio side in the present Belmont County. It was a well- 
known haunt of the Indians. Washington mentioned a town 
thereon while on his visit of 1770. In 1780 several boats on 
their way to Kentucky were waylaid at this creek and their 
inmates killed or captured; among the captured was Cathar- 
ine Malott, who became the wife of Simon Girty. In 1794 
occurred the battle of Captina Creek, between a party led by 
Abraham Enochs from Baker's Fort, and a marauding Indian 
band. — Ed. 

67 The fort at Grave Creek had been abandoned before the 
siege of Wheeling, and the building that had been left stand- 
ing had been burned by Indian raiders. — Ed. 

68 For Col. William Linn see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 144, note 
51.— Ed. 



FOREMAN'S DEFEAT 107 

before they had Time to discharge their Guns we 
have reason to beHeve by the reports that few are es- 
caped the Number of the Enemy being So Vastly 
superior one of the men returned has reed two 
wounds with one Ball or shot, not Mortal. Our Situ- 
ation calls for immediate assistance as we expect to 
have the Enemy in a few Hours at farthest we 
wholly depend on you for flour as we are not able to 
go to Mills as a Party would only fall into the Enemys 
Hand's 4 Men are come in but can give no further 
Account I am Sir with great respect 

David Sheperd 
There are wounded Men who lie in the Woods, par- 
ticularly one with a broken Leg®^ & some others. 

I am as before D. S. 



[Recollections of Rachel Johnson.'^o 2S280, 281.] 
Foreman's and Linn's companies came [to Wheel- 
ing] , the next day went down to see if there were any 
signs of Indians at Grave Creek, where there was a 
deserted blockhouse. 46 turned out to go, camped 
[that night] ; next morning [set out to return]. Linn, 



^9 This was John Cullins, for whom see post. — Ed. 

^0 Rachel Johnson was a mulatto woman, born in Delaware 
(she said Oct. 20, 1736), who was brought to the Ohio by her 
master Yates Conwell, before Dunmore's War. She was in 
Wheeling at the time of the siege, and when the survivors of 
Foreman's party came in. Her memory was very good, and 
she had a reputation for truthfulness. Dr. Draper visited 
and interviewed old Rachel in 1845, and again in 1846; she 
died in 1847. She remembered to have seen Washington, 
George Rogers Clark, and a number of prominent Western 
heroes. — Ed. 



108 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Daniel McLane^^ and a few others went up [over] 
the hill, the others marching in Indian file. The In- 
dians had made blinds and were under the river bank 
&c. ; when the whites were opposite [they rose and 
fired]. Foreman at the head was first shot down by 
a single fire; the others stopped suddenly and were 
fired on and shot down. McLane said he ran part 
way down the hill [when he heard the firing] and said 
he heard the tomahawks as if the Indians were cutting 
up beef. * * * In ^^g afternoon a fugitive with 
his gun, but without his hat gave the first mournful 
intelligence [at Wheeling] of the defeat, not knowing 
of any beside himself who had escaped. Others be- 
tween that and night kept dropping in. Next day a 
party turned out to bury the dead.'^- 



71 Daniel McLain was appointed justice of the peace of 
Ohio County early in January, 1777; he was likewise lieu- 
tenant of the county militia, and in service at Wheeling. He 
died some time before April, 1778, when his estate was ad- 
ministered. — Ed. 

72 It was several days before a party ventured out to bury 
the dead ; see letters post. A monument w^as erected on the 
spot to Captain Foreman and the other victims, all of whom 
were buried in one grave. It bears this inscription : "This 
humble stone is erected to the memory of Captain Foreman 
and twenty of his brave men, who were slain by a band of 
ruthless savages — the allies of a civilized nation of Europe — 
on the 28th [27th] of September, 1777. 

"So sleep the brave who sink to rest, 
By all their country's wishes blest." 
Erosion by the river removed the soil on which this stone 
was placed ; whereupon, by the order of Marshall County 
court, it was removed, in 1875, to Moundsville Cemetery. See 
Southern Historical Magazine (Charleston, W. Va.), March, 
1899, p. 19. — Ed. 



FOREMAN'S DEFEAT 109 

[Petition of John Cullins^^ to Congress. 2E67.] 
Your memorialist, John Cullins, of Muskingum 
County, Ohio, respectfully represents that in the 
month of August, 1777, your memorialist, then a resi- 
dent of Hampshire County, Virginia, volunteered 
under Capt. William Foreman, at said Hampshire 
County, and marched to Pittsburg, and joined the 



"^2 John Cullins was at this time nineteen years of age and 
very vigorous. In his later life he visited a William Linn of 
Brownsville, Pa., thinking that he was the Col. William Linn 
who had rescued him at Grave Creek. He found himself 
mistaken, for his benefactor had removed to Kentucky and 
there been killed by Indians. William Johnson Linn, son of 
the Brownsville man, told Dr. Draper Cullins's story as he had 
related it (37J38, 39). The latter said that as Foreman's party 
emerged from the narrows, where they had been marching sin- 
gle file, they deployed to right and left, presenting a quite for- 
midable front. They advanced in a wide bottom above the 
end of the narrows, to where a cone, breast high, jutted from 
the rock. Behind this the Indians were posted, and probably 
others on the left of the path, along the bushes by the river. 
No enemy was discovered until within a few paces of the 
ambuscade. The work of death was the result of an instant. 
Some of the survivors fled up the river, some down, and oth- 
ers up the hill. Among the latter was Cullins, who when 
two-thirds up was shot by an Indian below, and had his thigh 
broken. Just above lay a large log; over this he threw him- 
self to escape a second shot. At this juncture appeared Capt. 
William Linn and a few other men, dashing down the hill, 
whooping and firing. The Indians fled to their canoes and 
put off over the river. Linn and his lieutenant came upon 
Cullins. Linn wished to carry him away, but his lieutenant 
thought that they should rather seek their own safety. After 
some dispute, Cullins was at Linn's insistence carried up the 
hill, over a second ridge, and secreted in a fallen tree-top. 
Linn left him some food, promised to return, and then re- 
treated. Faithful to his promise, Linn came back after dark, 
and carried Cullins on his back for over eleven miles to 
Shepherd's Fort, fearing to attempt the shorter road to Fort 
Henry, lest Indians be lurking to waylay them. Another 
pioneer told Dr. Draper (17S62) that the doctor wished to 
amputate Cullins's leg, but the latter resisted and in time was 
able to walk. — Ed. 



110 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

troops then under the command of General Hand; 
thence, by order of General Hand, your memorialist 
with said Company, marched to Wheeling and was 
placed under the command of General Shepherd. 
After performing duty at Wheeling a few weeks, your 
memorialist was one of a party of forty-six men on a 
scouting party under command of Captain Foreman 
and some other officers, marched to the fort on Grave 
Creek, and on their return were attacked by a party 
of Indians, by whom the greater part of the party 
were cut off, and in this action your memorialist was 
wounded by a ball which broke his right leg in such a 
manner that he has never since that time recovered 
the full use of it."^* * * * 



[Capt. John Van Metre to Col. Edward Cook.^s 6ZZ10— 
A. L. S.] 
Beech Bottom Ohio Sept 28 1777 
Sir — I am sorry that I have the following Account 
to give you that is on the 27*'' of this Instant Capt 



'4 This petition was presented to Congress in 1834, and a 
pension was granted. For additional facts see 23d Cong., 
I St sess., Reports of Committees, no. 268. — Ed. 

■^5 Edward Cook was born in 1738 in the Cumberland Val- 
ley. In 1772 he removed to the forks of Youghiogheny River, 
where by 1776 he had built a large stone house, and was the 
prominent man of the region. As both Pennsylvania and 
Virginia claimed jurisdiction. Cook was an officer of both 
Westmoreland and Yohogania counties, alternately. His in- 
terest leaned, however, towards Pennsylvania, his native 
state, and in 1776 he was a member of her first state conven- 
tion. At the time this letter was written he was colonel of 
the Westmoreland militia, of which from 1781-83 he was 
county lieutenant. As Van Metre commanded a Westmore- 
land company, he made his report to Colonel Cook. The lat- 
ter died at his home between the forks of the Youghiogheny 
in 1808, leaving one son. — Ed. 



FOREMAN'S DEFEAT 111 

Linn with Nine Men Capt William Forman with 24 
Cap Joseph Ogle from this Place with 10 Men Went 
Down to Grave Creek to Make what Discovery they 
could make when Come there found grave Creek 
Fort a [11] Consumed to Ashes, the Corn Cut up and 
Tottely Destro[yed] and on their Return to Weling 
[Wheeling] About Eight Miles Below weling was 
Actacted By A learg Number of Indeans the kild 
and wounded is unknown Aney ferder than Sixteen 
that hath Came Inn and Fore of them wounded sir 
I Request the Favour of you to have another Com- 
pany in Readiness and at this Place Against my Time 
is up for I think there will be Great Nesesaty for them 
here for the Times seemes to be now Dangerous and 
More so hereafter otherwise I Expect I shall have 
to Guard the People of this Place away from here for 
it is Imposable for them to stay for the Garrison will 
be left Disolate sir I am yours to serve 

John Vanmatre 
N. B Sir In case Another Company should come 
send with them Asufficent quantity of Flower to sup- 
port them for it Appeairs that they Cannot be sup- 
ported with Flower here the times is so Difficult that 
People that has wheat Cannot Thrush it Neither Can 
Git it ground As for Beef or Pork there is Plenty 
to be had Convenient also send asufficient Quantity, 
of salt and Amnition for it is not to be had here any 
your Compliance will Amiably oblige the People In 
General sir I am 

J. V. 

To M^ Collonel Edward Cook These 



112 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 
[Daniel McFarland to Gen. Edward Hand. 6ZZ11 — A. L. S.] 

MONONGAHALIA Scpr. 30*^ 1777 

HoN''^ Sir — As I was returning home I heard Very 
Disagreeable News that Colo^ Lynn with a Party of 
About forty five Men was Defeated at the Narrows 
Above Grave Creek and the most part killed. Upon 
consideration thereof I Raised and Sent About forty 
Men this Day well Suplyed with Oficers they Being 
the most willing to go to their Assistance, I could 
not have raised them Unless I Promised them they 
Would Be Relieved In one week. I Shall Look to you 
for Directions By the Bearer. I am with Due Re- 
spects your Humble Servant 

Daniel M^Farland'^ 
Geni. Hand Pittsurgh 



THE DELA WARES REASSURED 

[Gen. Edward Hand to the Delawares. 1U103.] 

Fort Pitt Ocf. i^*. 1777 
Brothers, Capt. White Eyes, John Kilbuck &c. 
Delaware Chiefs at C 00c ho eking &c. 

Brothers — The Arrival of your People here Yes- 
terday with my Messengers made my Heart glad. And 
our Women and Children rejoice. The Cloud will 
now soon disperse and the Day appear bright & Clear. 
I thank you for the News you send me. I shall 
ere long be ready to speak to the Mingoes & Wiandots, 



^6 Daniel McFarland was a Scotchman who before moving 
West lived for some time in Massachusetts. He made his 
home on Ten Mile Creek in Amwell township of Washington 
County. In 1777 he was chosen colonel of Monongalia Coun- 
ty, to serve under Zackwell Morgan, because of previous ex- 
perience in military affairs. After the Revolution he built a 
fulling mill on his property, and there died (1817) at an ad- 
vanced age. — Ed. 



REASSURING THE DELAWARES 113 

as I promised you I would & they will soon be 
ashamed of what they have done. 

Brothers, You may depend that my Soldiers shall 
not hurt your Women or Children. They shall go the 
Road you have pointed out, & you shall have Notice 
when I move, agreeable to my Promise. I am deter- 
mined to do every thing that is proper to convince 
you, that you have made a proper Choice of your 
Friends, and if any Nation strikes you on our account, 
I desire you will call on me & you shall be supported 
with as much Power as you wish for, & if you think 
it necessary I will build a fort & Garrison it either at 
your Town or at any other Place near to it that you 
think proper and when Peace shall be restored the fort 
shall be burned & our People shall all come out of 
your Country. 

Brothers, I make this Offer to you to convince 
you of my Sincerity and that I am determined to pro- 
mote an everlasting friendship between the Delawares 
& the United States. I say Brothers if any Nation 
strikes you on our Account, I will consider your Quar- 
rel as our own. 

Brothers, Two of your Messengers conclude to 
stay here some little Time longer for News. I now 
send the other two Back with this. They carry a 
Flag to make Use of when you send Messengers in 
future to this Place. 

Brothers, Col. Morgan will continue to superin- 
tend Indian Affairs so long as he can render service 
& I rejoice that his Conduct has been so agreeable to 
you. He sets out for Philad^. to Morrow and carries 
all your good News to Congress. And you may ex- 



114 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

pect to hear from him in thirty Days or perhaps thirty 
five Days. They will rejoice to see your good Words 
& the Sentiments of your Hearts. You may depend 
we do not listen to what bad People say but we are 
determined to hold fast to our agreements, and I de- 
sire you will not fail to speak to Colesqua^^ & the 
Shawanese whose Hearts continue to be good. 

Brothers, If you can send Messengers to the Min- 
goes up the Allegany, whose Hearts are yet good, 1 
desire you will do it & desire them to continue to sit 
still untill the Clouds disperse. I hope they will con- 
tinue wise & not join the foolish People. 

Brothers, The English landed lately in Maryland 
& endeavoured to march their whole Army to Philad-''. 
but our army went to meet them half way where a 
Battle ensued. We lost six hundred Men & killed 
eighteen hundred of the Enemy, this happened at 
Shadesford on Brandywine Creek. The two Armies 
now lye in sight of each other both preparing for an- 
other grand Battle which you shall have News of so 
soon as it arrives. 

Brothers You may depend the English will soon 
be ashamed of their foolish Conduct. All the united 
States keep fast hold of the friendship of the Dela- 
wares & Yesterday Col. Morgan rece'd a Message for 
you from the Governor of Virginia which he now 
sends to you.'^^ 

Brothers Let us be strong in our Promises and 
keep true to our agreements as you may depend I will. 



"'"^ This is possibly the English form of the Shawnee name 
of the chief Cornstalk. — Ed. 

"'^ See letter of Sept. i8 from Gov. John Page. — Ed. 



REASSURING THE DELAWARES 115 

[Col. George Morgan to the Delawares. 1U104.] 

Fort Pitt Oct!", i 1777 
Brother Capt. White Eyes & Capt. John Kilbuck — 

Because James Elliott informs me you desire me to 
write something for you to speak when you go to 
Detroit, I now do it. You are wise Men and know 
what part to speak & what part to leave unsaid. I 
recommend to you when you speak to Gov"". Hamilton 
to do it in writing as there are no good Interpreters at 
Detroit & desire him to give You his answer in Writ- 
ing for the same reason. M^. Zeisberger who has 
your good much at heart will assist you. 

Brothers the English — I have often heard your Voice at 
a Distance & my Nation have thought proper to send me here 
that I might see your face again and hear you distinctly that 
they may not be deceived. 

We have long lived in friendship with our Brothers the 
English, we have no desire to go to war with any Nation 
who will not strike us. The Big Knife are our Neighbours 
and we live in friendship with them. They & we have lately 
renewed our friendship & we wish it to last for ever. They 
constantly speak what is good & so long as their Actions cor- 
respond we desire to believe them. They have explained to 
us the Nature of their Quarrel one Way. You explain it 
another but we have Nothing to do with it. They have often 
told us so, & they tell us to sit still whilst you & they wrestle 
together. But Brother you have sent us a hatchet to strike 
them. We desire you will tell us why we should strike those 
who have done us no Injury & with whom we have long lived 
in friendship. If you can give us a Reason which is sufficient 
for wise men to listen to, We desire we may hear it. But if 
you have no other Reason to give than your own Quarrels, 
we desire you will say so, we are a free & independant Na- 
tion, we are in friendship with all Nations & we desire to 
remain so, & we particularly wish to live in friendship with 
you. 



116 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Brothers, If you have delivered the Hatchet to the Nations 
near you to strike the big Knife & to murder their Women 
and Children, tell us so, & give us a good reason why you 
desire it, that I may also consider it, but if you have not, 
we desire you will say so, & speak to them, to sit still for we 
fear the Big Knife will take a large Stride some of these 
days & hurt their Women & Children. 

Brothers, Sir William Johnston [Johnson] ^^ took the 
Tomhawk out of our hands a long time ago, he buried it & 
told us we never should see it again, we desire you will not 
make him a Liar. 

Brothers, We wish to see an End to your Quarrel with the 
Big Knife we are sorry to hear you speak to the Indian Na- 
tions to strike them & thereby involve their Women & Chil- 
dren in Trouble for I now tell them I hear the Big Knife is 
almost opened. It has been shut a long Time & when it is 
opened & ground it will cut sharp. We therefore wish to 
promote peace & to have Pity on our Women & Children. 

Brothers, We have spoke our Minds freely, Now see our 
hearts & we desire you will speak freely to us that we may 
know what you wish. We tell you it is impossible for all the 
Indian Nations in the Woods to hurt the Big Knife, & it will 
be their ruin if they do not bury the Hatchet What will they 
say to you, or you to them when their Women & Children 
[are killed]. Will they not tell you that you were the Cause. 

Brothers, Be strong, & fight your own Battles like Men. 

Brothers, You are wise Men. You will know 
what Part to choose. Be strong in all good Works. 

Taimenend 



^9 The former superintendent-general for North American 
Indians, who died at his New York home in 1774. Morgan 
here refers to the great Fort Stanwix Treaty (1768), when 
peace was made with all the Indian tribes of the West and 
North.— Ed. 



REASSURING THE DELAWARES 117 

[Col. George Morgan to the Delawares. 1U105.] 

Fort Pitt Ocf". i. 1777 

Brothers the Delawares — Yesterday I reed, 
your Message which pleases me very much. It shows 
that what I have told Congress is true & that I have 
not spoken lies. They know this & you may depend 
they will not suffer your friendship to slip out of their 
Hands, they are wise men chosen by all the united 
states to conduct the Business of the whole & they 
have ordered me to do every thing in my power to 
convince you of their friendship. 

Brothers, I shall set out to Morrow for Ph^. & 
will Carry your Message to Congress which will give 
them great Pleasure It was by their orders that I 
supplied you with Powder & Lead & if you want fur- 
ther assistance or want a fort to be built at or near 
your Towns & to be garrisoned by our Troops for the 
Protection of your Women & Children I desire you to 
speak. Consider well of the Matter first, You may 
depend Congress will never deceive you nor suffer 
you to be struck by any other Nation on their account, 
without supporting you 

Brothers, Look again at my last Message, which 
I sent to you by James Elliott, & Robin George, 
When you see that my heart is good as a Man sees his 
face in a Looking Glass. I desire you to consider my 
Words & Advice the same as if I was your own flesh & 
Blood & if you do it will be good for both of us. I 
am sorry for Delaware George & Buckangehela's 
Son^^ but they should not have gone with foolish 
People. 



s*' Delaware George was an important chief of that tribe 
who took part in the French and Indian War, and was a firm 



118 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

You may expect to hear from you [me] in thirty 
five days. 

Taimenend. 

Yesterday I reed, the inclosed Message to you from 
the Gov'', of Virginia which he desired me to forward 
to you. I expect the News Papers up every hour. If 
they come in Time I will send them to you. I send 
Capt. White Eyes some salt for the Money I have in 
my hands. 

AFTERMATH OF FOREMAN'S DEFEAT 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Jasper Yeates. MS. in New York 
Public Library; Hand Papers — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt 2d Oct^. 1777 
Dear Yeates — From Intelligence rec^. Yesterday 
from the Delawar[e] at Coochachunk, I find that the 
Tweetees, Wyachtanas, & Kickapoos,^^ have returned 



friend of the English. See journal of Christian Frederick 
Post in Thwaites, Early Western Travels, i. 

Buckingehelas was a noted war chief of the Delawares, 
called by John Johnston, Indian agent at Fort Wayne 
(11YY3S, 38) "the Delaware Washington", He was likewise 
an orator, and of great influence among his people. His vil- 
lage was in Logan County, Ohio, not far from the present 
Bellefontaine. He opposed St. Clair and Wayne and took 
part in the Treaty of Greenville (1795). In 1800 he visited 
Washington, and died subsequently on White River, Ind. 
According to Zeisberger's letter of Sept. 22, ante, it was the 
son of Wingenund, not of Buckingehelas, who was wounded 
at the siege of Wheeling. No doubt it is to this affair that 
Morgan refers. — Ed. 

81 For a brief sketch of the Twigtwee (Miami) and Kicka- 
poo Indians, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 3, note 8, p. 56, note 84. 

The Ouiatanon (Wyactanas) were a branch of the Miami, 
who in the last decade of the seventeenth century had a vil- 
lage near the site of Chicago. After the founding of Detroit 
they removed to the Wabash, where they had a large village 
near Lafayette, Ind. The French built a fort at that village, 



AFTER FOREMAN'S DEFEAT 119 

the Tomahawk, and that the Tribe of Delawares 
headed by Wendaughaland are Wiavering. the Reg- 
ular Troops at Detroit, am*, to no more than 70, & 
the Militia to 300, so that we need not dread a Visit 
from that Quarter, tho the People here are well Dis- 
posed, savage like, to Murder a defenceless unsus- 
pecting Indian. I do not find them much inclined to 



which was destroyed during Pontiac's conspiracy (1763)- 
The British never rebuilt this post; but the Indian village of 
Ouiatanon continued to exist until 1790, when two expeditions 
by American troops — the first in June under Gen. Charles 
Scott, the second in August under Gen. James Wilkinson — 
destroyed the Ouiatanon towns (called Wea by the English 
and French). In 1795 the Weas were present at the Treaty 
of Greenville, where their chief Little Beaver asked to be re- 
stored to their old home at Ouiatanon. They were at this 
time granted an annuity of $500. In various succeeding treat- 
ies of 1803, 1805, and 1809, they made to the United States 
government successive grants for additional annuities. Dur- 
ing the War of 1812-15, the Wea were hostile; but in 1814 
signed the second treaty of Greenville; and four years later 
ceded all of their Indiana lands, and agreed to remove to the 
West. They were at first located in Missouri, where they 
were closely allied with the Piankashaw. In 1832 this reser- 
vation was exchanged for one on the eastern border of Kan- 
sas. There they pursued agriculture and gradually adopted 
a civilized life. A Baptist mission school was maintained 
among them from 1847 to 1856. In 1854 the Wea amalga- 
mated permanently with the Peoria, Kaskaskia, and Pianka- 
shaw, and ceded most of their lands, agreeing to take allot- 
ments in return. During the Kansas border troubles and the 
War of Secession they were much harassed ; by 1859 the 
confederated tribes numbered only 217. In 1867 they made 
a new treaty, ceding all their Kansas lands and agreeing to 
remove to a reservation in northeastern Indian Territory. 
There they rapidly advanced in the arts of civilization, and 
in 1889 they agreed to have all lands allotted to them in sev- 
eralty. They still live in the northeastern portion of Okla- 
homa, and while largely mixed with white blood, their condi- 
tion compares favorably with the average white farmer of 
the region. According to the last few census reports, the 
population of the federated tribes is slightly increasing. — Ed. 



120 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

enter the Indian Country, and believe that no great 
matter will be atchieved in the West this Season. 46 
men from the Garrison of Wheeling, fell into An Am- 
buscade the 27*^ Ult: about 8 miles below the Fort, 
they were entirely Routed, & but few had come in 
when the Acc'^^ came away 

Our Eyes & Ears are Open to the East, much will 
depend on the Operations there. Jessy is well & joins 
in love to every Creature About your house Farewill 
D'". yeates your Very Affectionate Kinsman 

Edw^ : Hand 
To Jasper Yeates Esqi". Lancaster p'" Col : Morgan. 



[Col. David Shepherd to Gen. Edward Hand. 4ZZ11 — 
A. L. S.] 

Fort Henry, October 3d 1777 

Dear General — Your timely Releif by Maj^ Chew, 
was very Exceptable as we Could not Bury the Dead 
before he Came. The party, that went on the late 
Unfortunate Excursion, went not at my Request or 
Order, but from Motives of their Own, as they were 
tird of being Cooped up in the Fort Idle, & Purposed 
the Same Several Times before I would at any rate 
Consent. Indeed, I myself thought their party was 
Sufficient for any Scouting party of Indians they 
might fall in with as it was hardly to be Supposed, 
that Forty Six of our best Riffle Men well Equipt 
Should be Over power [ed] by Numbers of Indians 
from the Known Manner of their Sending Small par- 
ties to Annoy the Settlements 

I Hope Maj''. Chew has made a Sattisfactory Re- 
port to you of Action as well as of the Strength of the 
Garrison, I am Sure Notwithstanding our Repeated 



AFTER FOREMAN'S DEFEAT 121 

loss's that we Shall nearly Make Up our Quotoe for 
the Expedition, tho the Situation & Danger of Leaving 
their famileys Prevent their going to the Stations, 
Yet Upon the Officers Receiving Marching Orders for 
Joining the Main Bodyes their Quotoes will be immi- 
diately Compleat. 

The Friends of those Unfortunate Men that have 
been Kill'd in these Two Attacks, have Request me to 
Apply to you to Know Whither they will be paid for 
the Gunns & Blanketts lost, in those Engagements, as 
they Were mostly taken from Others by Consent and 
appraised^- I refer you to Maj'". Chews letter for 
what has happen^ Since his Arrival and am Sir with 
the Greatest Respect Your Most Ob*. Hble Ser*. 

David Shepherd 
Brig. Gen. Hand Fort Pitt 



[Maj. James Chew to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U106 — A. L. S.] 

Fort Henry, October 3d 1777 
Dear General — It was out of my Power to Send 
you the Inclosed Account sooner as it was Difficult to 
find out who was Kill'd, in that Unfortunate Affair 
near the Narrows Agreeable to your Instructions, I 
Have made out the most Authentick Reports of that 
affair, as well as the Strength of the Garrison of Fort 
Henry, and tho they are imperfectly done, as to the 
Manner Yet I Hope they will Answer the End de- 
sign'd. Youll find by the Report of the Garrison, 
that I Have made a note, to the Several Cap^^ from 
Monnongalia, as those Gentlemen on Hearing of the 
Late Disaster near this place, March^ Immediately 



82 See the Appendix for list of appraisals of effects. — Ed. 



122 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

with what Men they Could Collect for fear others 
Might not Come Since my arrival Col° Shepard & 
myself March^ & Buried those Unfortunate Men, in 
the late Action a Moving Sight. Twenty One Brave 
fellows, Cruelly Butcher'd, Even after Death. 

this day, there was some fresh Tracks Di[s]coverd 
about Two Miles from this Fort, every Method of 
Discovering of the Enemy shall be made use of tho 
the Monongalia Militia Will Return in about Ten or 
Twelve Day, As they were Raised only for the Intent 
of Burying the Dead, & not more than One Cap^ One 
Lieut. & One Ensign of the said officers, Expects pay 
as Officers. If any News from the Eastward Please 
Let me Know by the Return of the Express, also when 
I am to Sett out With the Boats &c I am Sir With 
the Greatest Respect Your most Obt. Hble Ser* 

James Chew 

On Public Service To Brigadier General Hand at Fort Pitt 
Pr Express 

REINFORCEMENTS FOR FORT RANDOLPH 

[Capt. John Bowyer to Col. William Fleming. 1U107 — 
A. L. S.] 

Sir — Imedeatily upon receiving your orders I ap- 
pointed the officers as you Directed and with all expe- 
dition the Several Companies on the forks were 
Drafted I attended all the musters my Self except 
Cap^ Gilmer s where ten of the Number you ordered 
was to be raised and as a Lieutinent is to go from that 
Company I make no doubt but they will be ready 
Cap^ Paxton and Cap^ Hall are the two Captains 
with the proper Number of other officers According 
to the Number of Men required the two Companies 



AFTER FOREMAN'S DEFEAT 123 

will be ready to march from Collins Town Next Tues- 
day morning with out fail and I belive will amount 
to Near lOO men they have got the Number of Pack 
horses ready also Beef & flower sufficent to Serve 
them down to the point also Tents and Kettles you 
mentioned in yours to me that Donely Mathews 
would furnish the men but I was informd by M'" 
Sampson Mathews^^ that they had no flower at Green- 
brier which made me Give the Captains orders to Take 
a Nuff of Provisions with themselves least that they 
should be disapointed I got also 25'^ of Powder & 
44^^ of lead for the men they will march Next Tues- 
day I sepose you have heard before this time That 
General Washington has give How a Compleat 
Drubing near Schoolkill it is Taken for fact this 
way pray God it may be true If CoP Skilleron^* 
goes on the expedition these men will be at greenbrier 
before him I shall do every thing in my Power to 
get them away my Comp*^ to Madam Fleming and 



83 For a sketch see Dunmore's War, p. 223, note 54. — Ed. 

8* Col. George Skillern was an Augusta County pioneer, 
who as early as 1758 was paid for express services in the 
army. In 1764 he was commissioned justice; and when Bote- 
tourt County was set off in 1770 this commission was renewed. 
In 1776 he received appointment as lieutenant-colonel of the 
county militia. This expedition of 1777 seems to have been 
the extent of Skillern's active service. In 1780 he became 
county lieutenant for Botetourt, in place of Col. William 
Fleming, and the following year was active in the defense of 
the state during the invasions. He was in the same office as 
late as 1793. His home was about two miles from Pattons- 
burg, of which town he was an incorporator in 1788. He 
was wealthy and hospitable, and one of the prominent men 
of his day west of the mountains. He seems to have left no 
descendants in the male line. — Ed. 



124 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

am with the greatest Sincarity Y'" most obed^ and 

Very Hble Serv*. 

John Bowyer 

Ocf. 4*. 1/77 
On the publick service To Col^. William Fleming 
Botetourt P'' express 



[Col. George Skillern to Col. William Fleming. iUio8 — 
A. L. S.] 

Sir — By the Inclos^ : it appears that there is Near 
lOO men Rais^ : in the Forks Maj'' Poege^^ was hear 
this Day and is preparing with all Expedition to 
March as allso I will be Ready Shortly and Should 
you think that the Number of men Rais*^. on green 
brier and the Forks will Admit of me to go on the 
Expedition you will please to Send me particular 
Instructions How I am to act as I am a Stranger in 
Sum respects to the Buisness as allso where you think 
on Greenbrier the Troops had Besst Randivouse, we 
will want a pack horse to Carry our Tent Cloath & 
Bagage whether you think it ought Not be a public 
Expense Should there Not appear to Bee 150 Men 
when we Come to the place of Randivouse Maj''. 
Poege offers to Re [sign] his Command to me if 
Aprovd of But if I goe with my Quoto he is ready 
allso to March as to a Commisary if M'". Lewis Dus 
not Chuse to Act I would think Mr David May^^ a 



^^ Probably this was Maj. John Poage, son of the pioneer 
Robert. The former was assistant surveyor in 1760; three 
years later he was appointed vestryman; in 1778 he qualified 
both as county surveyor and high sheriff, and died at his 
Augusta County home early in 1789. — Ed. 

86 David May was clerk of Botetourt County court for 
many years before 1776 and as late as 1791. Probably the 



AFTER FOREMAN'S DEFEAT 125 

proper person However what Ever Instructions you 
send me I will Indeaver to Comply with to the utmost 
of my power I am with Esteem your obed^ Humble 

Geo Skillern 

ye^th Ocf. 1777 

On the publick Service To Col" William Fleming P^" Ex- 
press. Botetourt 



[Capt. Matthew Arbtickle to Gen. Edward Hand. 3NN74-78— 
Transcript] 

Fort Randolph, 6*^. Oct'". 1777. 

Sir — I rec^. yours of the 17^^ ult°. by sergt^ Flinn,^^ 
who arrived at this garrison the 25^^. do. I detained 
said Flinn & his party until the arrival of Capt". 
M^Kee^^ from the settlement whom I daily expected: 
said M'^Kee & 8 or 10 of a party were detained in 
order to assist in escorting a drove of beeves from the 
settlement to Kelly's on the Kenhawa, which escort 
was to have been militia. I likewise was ordered to 
send an escort from this garrison to that place in order 
to relieve the militia in case any circumstances would 
admit of it, which order I complied with: said 
M'^Kee is not yet arrived here ; but by 4 of the escort 
who are returned, I learn he is with the cattle about 
3 days march from this place. 

In respect to the troops who are to assist in the 
expedition, I am verbally informed those from Au- 



Lewis mentioned was Col. Andrew, for whom see Dumnore's 
War, passim. — Ed. 

87 Probably the John Flinn mentioned in Ibid, p. 325, note 
47, who in 1786 was killed by Indians. — Ed. 

88 For William McKee, see Ibid, p. 348, note 69 ; also Rev. 
Upper Ohio, passim. — Ed. 



126 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

gusta are on their march, but for more particular 
information I refer you to Col. Fleming's [letter] 
which I send enclosed. In respect to the junction of 
the troops I would for various reasons advise to be 
at this garrison. In the first place should it be at any 
other place on the Ohio, there must be a number of 
men left as a guard to the boats ; besides I think this 
garrison as nigh to the heads of the Scioto as the 
mouth of the Hockhocking. 

Likewise expect to have in my custody six or eight 
of the Shawanese Chiefs before you arrive. The case 
stands thus : On the 19^^. ult°. two Shawanese arrived 
here with a string of white wampum, & likewise deliv- 
ered a speech with strong protestations of friend- 
ship — in the meantime producing a black string which 
they say they had sent them by the Delawares, which 
was sent them by Col. George Morgan. Their prin- 
cipal errand was to know the reason of it. They had 
likewise information of an army that was to march 
into their country, & they beg strenuously for Corn- 
stalk & his tribe. They likewise informed me that 
the Indians had embodied themselves immediately 
upon receiving the black string, with the information 
of a campaign. I thought proper to detain these two. 
In about 8 days afterwards, Cornstalk's son came to 
know the reason why they were detained, & gave me 
the strongest assurances that his father, the Hard- 
man,^'' & some more of their chiefs should come imme- 
diately to this place. I have the two still detained, 
and intend detaining & confining as many as fall into 



s^ For this chief see Ibid, p. 57. — Ed. 



AFTER FOREMAN'S DEFEAT 127 

my hands (unless it should be to carry intelligence for 
me to & from this place) until I have further instruc- 
tions from you. 

I had two scouting parties sent out — one of 20, the 
other of 17 men, two of whom in endeavoring to drive 
some beeves towards the garrison, & by disobeying 
my positive instructions, got killed & scalped on the 
3I^^ of Aug^ And since, they have killed two men, 
one child, & one negro, & taken a little girl prisoner 
from Greenbriar.^*^ 

The number of men in this garrison — in my com- 
pany, I Lieut, 4 sergt^ i drummer, & 34 privates : In 
Capt. M'^Kee's company, 2 Lieuts, 4 sergt^ i fifer & 51 
privates: In Capt. Henderson's Company of militia, 
I Lieut, I ensign, 2 sergt^ & 25 privates — total 130. 

The provision on hand this day I began to issue of 
the boat load I rec^. of Sergt. Flinn, which is all the 
flour at this garrison. No beeves until Capt. M^Kee 
arrives with the drove, which amounted to 112 head 
in number at Kelly's, which is 80 miles distant from 
this garrison. Only one keg of salt, scarcely i cw*^. ; 
of amunition, between 16 & 17 w^ of powder, & 6 w*. 
& 50'b^. lead. No country arms. Every man a good 
rifle his own property in good order; scarcely 200 
flints in the garrison. I have sent with M^ M^Nutt^^ 
two boats, which are all fit for use at this place. Your 
boats, I suppose, would carry 50 men each down 



^'^This refers to the affair at the house of James Graham; 
see ante, pp. 78, 79. — Ed. 

^1 Lieut. James McNutt of McKee's company was probably 
a son of John McNutt, an early settler of Augusta County, 
in that portion afterwards set off as Rockbridge. See Draper 
MSS., 8ZZ35.— Ed. 



128 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

stream, but 35 w^. be load sufficient up stream, as the 
men would require room to work. For particulars 
relative to this garrison, I refer you to JVP. M^Nutt. 
I am Sir, with Esteem V. very humble serv^ 

Mathew Arbuckle 
Gen'. Hand 

NEWS FROM FORT PITT 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Jasper Yeates. MS. in New York 
Public Library; Hand Papers — A. L, S.] 

Fort Pitt 9th. Oct^. 1777 
Dear Yeates — I rec^. your favours of the 13^^. & 
17**^. Ultim. wish I could hear from you at this time, 
to clear up our perplexitys respecting the many & 
various reports of the progress of the Enemy in your 
Quarter. I believe I told you in my last that we here 
had nothing to Apprehend from Detroit. I some 
weeks ago sent a Small party towards Niagara for 
Intelligence but they have not yet returned. the 
Clamor against Mess'■^ Morgan & M^.Kee was wrong- 
founded nothing appeared agains[t] either of them. 
* * * 

Since my last about 200 men Arived here from 
Frederick & Dunmore Counties. 

Your Affectionate Kinsman 

EDW<i Hand 
Jasper Yeats Esq, Lancaster Pr fav'" of Mr. Jn^. Anderson 



^^I^IP 






HiHM||||||tt^^:.f^ ... 




|i 9 


H| 





The Block HuisE of Fort Pitt 



lUiilt b}^ Bouquet in 1764, and now possessed by Daughters of 
the American Revohition of Alleghen}- County, Pa. 



AT FORT HENRY 129 

CONDITIONS AT FORT HENRY 

[Maj. James Chew to Gen. Edward Hand. 4ZZ12 — A. L. S.] 

Fort Henry, October lo^'^ 1777 
My Dear General — by the Return of the Express 
I had the pleasure of Receiving your very Kind Letter 
and Instructions and can really Assure you nothing 
gives me more Sattisfaction than to Obey every Order, 
but the Task you have injoind on me is almost, beyond 
my abilities, the Militia I Have with me was only 
Raised for One Month, and that Time is past, about 
Ten or Twelve days, nothing is more inconsistant 
than Militia, when their Time Or Engagements are 
at an End. However, I have by Letting four or Five 
return with the last detachment from the Monnonge- 
hala Prevailed on the rest, to Stay, for the Ten days 
you have Mentioned, in which Time, Perhaps Col°. 
[Zackwell] Morgan may Send the Company you 
Order'd Here, as I Have Wrote to him on that Sub- 
ject, and Let it be as it will I am fully determined to 
pay the Attention due to your Orders, in endeavouring 
to fulfill every part of them. I very readily agree with 
you that our M[MS. torn] Cheifs, Vallorous for Kill- 
ing their Allies, when at Treaties, may now Rest Sat- 
tisfied on the direfull Consequence of Such, Vain 
Exploits should they not think of it, every Sensible 
Person must, & the Cruel Strokes the People Here, 
have felt, from the Occasion [of] those Ignominious, 
Heroes, will ever be Rememberd. what will not Men 
do for want of Thought, or Rather to be Thought 
brave [by] the giddy Multitudes, this last was the 
Occasion of the loss in the Narrows. Beleive me I 
never Saw, on this River, a Likelier platt of Ground, 
9 



130 FRON'TIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

fur a LUittlc, for Such a Party, and their [MS. torn] 
Conduct in the March, was the Occasion of the fatal 
Event [that] Followed, all the Particulars of which 
when 1 have the Pleasure [of] Seeing you shall relate; 
1 have Sent the Necessary Instructions to the Beach 
Bottom Commanders, Dividing the Catering With 
theni by the Return of the Men from that place am 
informed that Cap^ \^anmeters Company are daily 
leaving him, so that that place will be straitned much 
if no Releif is Sent them. Captain Williamson''- of 
the Ohio Vollenteers is to bring the Cattle M''. 
Robinson wrote you about the Said Captain Choosing 
this duty himself. 



''- David Williamson was born in Carlisle about 1752. In 
1846 Dr. Draper interviewed his eldest daughter, who gave 
the following facts (2S34) concerning her father's life: 
When a young boy he was ambitious to go West, and at the 
age of thirteen accompanied a party hunting and trapping 
toward Pittsburgh. Soon after, he made a settlement on the 
waters of Buffalo Creek, and going home brought out the 
families of his father John and his uncle Joseph. They all 
settled, and built a stockade, or station, near the present Tay- 
lorstown, Washington County. David Williamson was very 
active in frontier defense, and popular with his neighbors. 
In the spring of 1782 he was chosen commander of a force 
embodied to raid the Moravian towns, whose inmates were 
accused of encouraging attacks on settlers. This disgraceful 
affair ended in the massacre of a number of peaceful, un- 
offending Indians. Williamson's share in the affair has re- 
ceived just obloquy, although he is said to have desired to 
spare the prisoners. The same year he was second in com- 
mand of Crawford's disastrous Sandusky expedition, wherein 
his courage was of value in securing the retreat. His popu- 
larity did not suffer by these expeditions, and in 1787 he was 
elected sheriff of the county. But he is said to have been too 
lenient with offenders, and lost his property through giving 
security therefor. He died in 1809 in poverty, having lost 
his large landed estate. His descendants are numerous. Sev- 
eral are still living in Washington County, where as late as 
1882 remains of his farm buildings were yet standing. — Ed. 



AT FORT HENRY 131 

Upon my Arrival Here I found everything in the 
utmost Confusion, Without any Kind of Order & the 
Very Garrison, Enough to Poison Men. 1 Have now 
Erected Some faint Emblem [semblance] of Order 
and Got the Garrison neat & Clean so that How 
[who] ever Comes after me, Will be Enabled to Live 
Comfortable & Keep up the Disipline. the Armourer 
that was Employed by Col°. Shepard for the use of 
this and the Neighbering Garrisons has, as I am in- 
form'd by all the People Here, as well as from the 
ace*, of his Work, done his duty in Every Respect, 
and is an Exceeding Good Workman. Yet I am at a 
loss to Know whether he is to be Employed any 
Longer, or upon What Terms, this I am Sure that he 
is as Good for that Purpose as any that is to be had, 
besides for the Work done Heretofore he has found 
all the Matereals, and has worn out a Number oi Files 
as well as Tools of Other Kinds and if he should not 
be paid it will Ruin him to all Intents. I would be 
much Obliged to you for Instructions on this Head, 
the Doctor Likewise Informs me that he has no Con- 
venience for to Keep the W^ounded Men as they 
should be Kept. Neither have they or Can they be 
supplyed, with Proper Cloathes having Lost their 
Blankitts, and if it is agreeable to you When I Return 
with Boats Purposes to Move Two of them to Pitt as 
he informs me the Rest Can do without a Surgeon 
but this Cannot be done without a Supply of Blankitts 
for them.^-' I am afraid I have tired your Patience 



^3 In reply to this appeal, General Hand wrote Major Chew, 
Oct. 12, 1777 (3NN58) : "Your wounded men are as well 
where they now are as they could be here. 1 have not blank- 



132 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

with this Long Letter. Shall only Add that I will do 
every [thing] in my Power to Discover the Enemies 
Motions, & beg you well send me by the first Convey- 
ance Two Quire of Paper, as I owe the Greatest part 
[of] one Borrowed Already in my next Shall Send 
you a Return of the Strength of this Garrison in Men 
Provisions & Ammunition &c I am Sir with the 
Greatest Respect Your most Ob*. Hble Ser^ 

James Chew 
I have Directed the Commissary to Supply Several 
Distressed Families with the allowance of Soldiers. 
Untill I Receive your Orders. myself and all that 
Came with me from Pitt Left our Clothes So that if 
we Continue Longer the Garrison will be numerous 
Enough, tho of no Great addition to our Strength. 



TROOPS FOR THE CONTINENTAL ARMY 

[Capt. William Linn to Gen. Edward Hand. lUiio — A. L. S.] 
Catfish Camp Ocf. ye nth 1777 
Sir— M'-. MClure^* Has Arrived. He Brought A 
Letter from M"". Lightfoot Lee®^ In which He Informs 



ets to give them when here, much less to send down for 
them." — Ed. 

9* Probably David McClure, for whom see Rev. Upper 
Ohio, p. 234. The following additional facts are noted : 
April 6, 1778, David McClure was chosen justice of the peace; 
Aug. 3 of the same year, he took oath as lieutenant-colonel 
of the Ohio County militia; and at the September court he 
was appointed clerk of the county, to succeed James Mc- 
Mechen, who had removed from the state. — Ed. 

95 Francis Lightfoot Lee (1734-97) was a member of the 
Continental Congress from its first session until 1779, when 
he resigned and the same year entered the senate of Virginia. 
He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and 
only less famous than his elder brother, Richard Henry 
Lee. — Ed. 



RAISING TROOPS 133 

me that He thought it proper for M^ MClure to Re- 
turn Home Again As the Congress at that time Had 
Left Philadelphia And Had Not Met Before He Left 
that M^ Lee told M"". MClure that they Could not 
Determine it Under two Weeks But as Soon as they 
Concluded Upon it that they would Send an Express 
Out which I Suppose will Come to You You will be 
Kind Enough to Send me Express As Soon as the Ex- 
press Comes from Congress to You And Inform me 
What they Have Agreed Upon As I Intend to Rais 
Men as fast As possible if they Congress Grants what 
We Concluded Upon Pleas When You write me 
Direct it to Colo. Brown^^ Redstone Fortt From 

Your Obleg^. Humble Serv*. 

Will*". Linn 

To His Excellency Gen. Hand Fort Pitt P^. favour Col. 
Shepperd 



TROOPS FOR EXPEDITION 

[Calendar of letters, 3NN57, 65, 180; lUiii; and Darlington's 
Fort Pitt, p. 227. Oct. 13-16.] 
Oct. 13. General Hand writes to Col. John Piper^^ 



96 For Col. Thomas Brown see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 233, 
note 76. — Ed. 

9"^ Col. John Piper was born in Ireland in 1730. When ten 
years of age his family emigrated to America, but soon after 
landing at Wilmington, Del., the father died. The widow and 
her sons removed to Shippensburg, in Cumberland County. 
John Piper was out with Bouquet in 1764; and in 1772 re- 
moved to Yellow Creek, in Bedford County, where he had a 
large place on Piper's Run. About 1776 he built a large stone 
house, which in i860 was still standing, and in possession of 
his descendants. In 1776 he raised a company and served 
one year in the Continental army; after that he was charged 
with the defense of the frontier, as colonel of Bedford Coun- 
ty militia. Piper later served in the state legislature, and as 
associate justice of his county (1790). He died at his home 
on Piper's Run in 1816. See Draper MSS., 7E48. — Ed. 



134 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

that he has ordered 150 men from Bedford and 250 
from Westmoreland for an expedition into the Indian 
country. Of the former, Captain Shearer with seven- 
teen men have arrived.®* Urges that the remainder 
be sent, as Virginia mihtia are partly arrived and 
partly on their march. The same day he sent word to 
the county-lieutenant of Westmoreland to hasten on 
his men and the provisions. 

Oct. 14. General Hand writes to Col. William 
Russell^® or officer commanding the 13th Virginia: 
''We have had two severe blows at Wheeling on the 
1st and 27th ult° — 14 killed the first, and 21 the last. 
Capt. Wm. Foreman of Hampshire and his son fell 
the 27th. Forty six of them suffered themselves to 
be led out by Mr. Wm. Linn, fell into an ambuscade 
of 50 Indians and were totally routed. The Kittan- 
ning I was obliged to evacuate for want of men. I 
have many difficulties to encounter, yet hope to drink 
your health in pure element at Sandusky^ before 
Christmas." 



98 A William Shearer accompanied the Sandusky expedition 
of 1782. Probably, however, the present allusion was to 
Robert Shearer, a prominent citizen of Robinson township, 
in the later- formed Washington County. He may have acted 
with the Bedford militia at this time. It would seem from 
Major Chew's letter of Oct. 16, that Hand stationed Shearer 
and his men at Beech Bottom Fort. Robert Shearer was 
killed by Indians in 1780, while cultivating corn at his home- 
stead. — Ed. 

99 For sketch of Col. William Russell see Dunmore's War, 
p. 6, note 9. — Ed. 

1 This is an interesting evidence of General Hand's purpose 
in his proposed expedition — that it was to strike the Sandusky 
towns, where were collected the bands most hostile to the 
Americans. For a sketch of Sandusky see Rev. Upper Ohio, 
p. 218, note 61. — Ed. 



RAISING TROOPS 135 

Oct. 14. Maj. James Chew writes from Fort 
Henry, enclosing lists of the garrison and Captain 
Shearer's report from Beech Bottom. wSent Captain 
Williamson with thirty men to escort in the beeves. 
On their return it is learned that on Friday last one 
man was killed near Van Meter's mill on Short Creek. 
Scouts report fresh tracks ; but he flatters himself that 
few scalps will be taken while he is with the garrison. 
Purposes setting out with the boats next Thursday. 
Garrison will be weak unless reinforced. Militia 
will not remain after time expires. 

Oct. 16. Thomas Baldwin, James Ratchkin, James 
Parsons, Edward Lucas, John Baldwin, and Michael 
Rader,- captains of militia from Frederick, Loudoun, 
Berkeley, Hampshire, and Dunmore'^ Counties assem- 



2 A famih' of Baldwins was forted at the present site of 
Blacksville, Monongalia County. 

Edward T>ucas was one of the earliest settlers of Frederick 
County, arriving there from Pennsylvania in 1725. This is 
probably Edward Lucas Jr., since the elder Lucas died Oct. 3, 
1777. The son served in the Continental army as well as in 
the militia. 

A German family of Roeders (Rader) was located in the 
Shenandoah Valley, in what was later Rockingham Coun- 
ty. — Ed. 

3 Frederick was the pioneer county of the lower Shenan- 
doah Valley, and was erected in 1738; but owing to insuffi- 
cient population it was not organized until 1743. 

Loudoun, east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, was formed 
from Fairfax in 1757, and named for the British General 
Earl of Loudoun. 

Berkeley was formed from Frederick in 1772. It then com- 
prised all of what is known as the Eastern Panhandle of 
West Virginia. Berkeley's quota for this campaign was to 
be a hundred men. See letter from Hand, dated Aug. 12, 
1777, to Col. Van Swearingen, militia officer in Berkeley, pub- 
lished in Danske Dandridge, Historic Shepherdsfozvn (Char- 
lottesville, Va., 1910), pp. 179, 180. 

Hampshire County was erected in 1754 from both Augusta 



1.^6 IKON rilLk Dl'J'ENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

1)1ch1 at l'\)rt Titt, address General Hand to the effect 
that in their opinion a campaign down the Ohio is im- 
practicable, the season being far spent and there being 
only 3(x3 men in their combined companies. Allude to 
Captain Foreman's loss. 



(iOOl) NEWS FROM THK KAST 

I Col. (iccujAi' Mi>rg;in to the Dolawaros. 1U113.] 

York I Pa.] Ocf. 16. 1777 

Tainiriui, To the wise Council of the PeJawares at 
Cooehoclci}i(/ 

CiiiKKS AND Bkotiikrs.— \Mien 1 wrote to you last 
1 told you you should hear from me again in thirty 
Days. T then expected to have been back at Fort Pitt 
in that Time but as I have much Business to do with 
the great Council [Congress] 1 shall not return quite 
so soon as 1 expected, they have desired me to write 
to you to tell you some of the good News we have 
from our Armies. They thank you for your last 
Message, what you desire shall be done. They place 
great Confidence in your wise Councils & are deter- 
mined that you shall never have reason to be sorry 
for being strong in good works. 

Brothers, I lately wrote a I>etter to Genl. Hand 
informing him of the Success our Northern Army 
then had. He will send a Copy of it to you, I now 
cinifirm the Contents. 



and Frederick. It comprised the upper waters of the Poto- 
mac, and lay between Alleghany and Shenandoah mountain 
ranges. 

l>unmore County was formed from Frederick in 1772. The 
name was (in October, 1777) changed to Shenandoah, on ac- 
count of Lord Dunmore's unpopularity in the state. — Ed. 



Nicws I'kOM 'iiii<: I':as'J" 137 

lirolkcrs, Since I wrol(t lli.il Lcltci- Vi/'. on iIk! 
4"'. Inst, owv Army surroiiudcrl ,-i p.ul of flic I'.rili ,li 
'liooj)', ;il f icnii.'iiilowii wlicii 1500 f)f lliciii were 
I. illcd, wounded ^ taken I'risoners. 'Ilieir (!oura^e 
hcj^Hns to fail for they did nr)t (ij^lit stronj( tliat Day. 
1 lowcvci- llicir whole Aiiny out ^ ;i pari of ours only 
hein^ en^a/^ed we hrr>u^ht our prisoners off to our 
iiK'iin army all oi them are now taking Possession 
of ,U( h ^iromids ;i.s will effci hi.illy surrouu'l out ICne- 
mics. We are making good strong fetices to I'en 
them u|) so that they shall not get off unless ihey steal 
out of sr)me hole in the Night Time for now they arc 
out of reach of their Ship]>ing. 

lirolhers, On the 7"'. Ins' our Army to the North- 
ward routed the hritish Army commanrled hy their 
greatest Gcnl's, who sent orders to Detroit last Spring 
to emj)loy the Wiandots & other western Nations & to 
hire them tf> do Mischief that he might Succeed the 
I'etter. They were so foolish as tf> he deceiverl <S/ he 
is now riefeated. I send yf>u a ])articular Account of 
this hccause f know it will make your Hearts glad. 
Listen to the ann(;xed Letter.'^ 



* Annexcfl is the (;oi)y of a letter from Conimissary (General 
'rrmnhiill to the President of Congress, daferl Albany, OcX. 0, 
1777. After rlescriljing the battles of Oct. 7 anrl X, he says: 
"The (Canada Indians have rleserted the I>ritish Army and the 
Six Nations have joined ours. In the late action the Oneidas 
ik Tuscaroras were of great Service. In this they had little 
share, but they have determiner! to send a War Piclt through 
all their own & other Nations to take uj^ the hatchet in favour 
of the Americans ag"'- the British Troops on account of ill 
Treatment they have rv.cA. The Southern Indians have also 
ent us the Eagles Tail & Uattle, So that the Western Na- 
tion [s] will soon reiK-nt th'-ir folly." — Fm. 



138 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Brothers, So soon as we take Genl. Howe & his 
Army Prisoners (which I hope to inform you of be- 
fore many Moons) our Army will have nothing else 
to do, but to divert themselves with the Mingoes, 
Wiandots &c^. but as they & we are all born of one 
Mother, and live on one Land, I wish they would now 
come to their Senses and ask for Peace before their 
women & children get hurt or are carried into Slavery. 
If they lose this opportunity, I tell you they will re- 
pent it. 

Brothers, you shall hear from me three Weeks 
after you receive this. Continue Strong & let Capt. 
Pipe, Colisqua &c^ know this News. 

Taimenend 



HANI) VISITS WHEELING: MILITIA ATTACKED 

[Archibald Steel to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U12S— A. L. S.] 

Pittsburgh Octr. 21th 1777 
Dear General hand — I Need Not inform you how 
the Militia Behavd after you Set out for wheeling. 
But Refers you to there Conduct whilst you were 
Present, they Left this at 10 of the Clock on Sunday 
Evening, yesterday they Stoptd at Logs toun^ in the 
morning where the met with two or three indians, 
which By all acounts Defeated the whole Party killd 
one and wounded one. Magor Chue hapned to Com 
to them Just after the indians fired and fled. he 
found the whole Party So alarmd that he Could Not 
get one Man to assist him to Surround a Cornfield 
where the thought the indians were. But I Beleve 
they Proceeded on their Jorney. 



5 For this place see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 26, note 52. — Ed. 



INDIAN DEPREDATIONS 139 

Just Now one hundred and forty horses Came 
Loaded with flower. I Expect in a Day or two one 
hundred More horses. I will Detain them to [till] 
the Express Returns. 

I have Just Convers'^ with Capt. wm. Loughry*^ 

about the Militia of Westmorland, he Cannot Give 

any acount whether one man from that Place will 

Com to your assistance or Not. I am Dear Sir your 

humble Servant 

Archibald Steel." 

To The Honorable Edward Hand Brigadi" General on his 
way to or at wheelen By Express. 



6 William Lochry was a brother of Archibald, county 
lieutenant, and was in 1774 a justice of the county court of 
Westmoreland. It would appear that he was at this time 
captain of militia. — Ed. 

' Col. Archibald Steele was born in Lancaster County about 
T741 ; at the outbreak of the Revolution he assisted in raising 
a company of riflemen, of which he was commissioned lieu- 
tenant. They proceeded to Boston, and were enrolled in the 
regiment of which Hand was lieutenant-colonel. In Septem- 
ber, 1775, Steele was one of a company detached to accom- 
pany Arnold on his perilous march to Quebec. He attracted 
the attention of the commander by his enterprise and endur- 
ance, and undertook several difficult reconnoissances. At the 
siege of Quebec, Steele was wounded and taken prisoner. 
Being exchanged in 1776, he returned home, and was appoint- 
ed deputy quartermaster-general. In that capacity he was 
with General Hand at Pittsburgh. Later he served as mili- 
tary storekeeper to the United States army, making his home 
in Philadelphia. He was honorably discharged from the army 
in 1816, and died at his Philadelphia home in 1832. Three 
of his sons served in the War of 1812-15. — Ed. 



140 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

[Maj. James Chew to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U122 — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt, October 21^*^ 1777 
Dear General — this Morning I arrived at this 
Garrison. a few minutes after I Passed by Loggs 
Town, I was informed by one of the Officers of my 
detachment that Call'd at that place, that the Indians 
Killd a Man of Cap* Lucas's Company & Wounded 
one Other, which I Brought with me to Pitt. I am 
very sorry I had not Staid untill you Came to 
Wheeling, as I am at loss to know, What I am to do 
As the Monnongalia Militia, have left this Fort, 
indeed, my Leaving Fort Henry was Owing to the 
Impatiance of the Men to get other Cloaths, and fit 
themselves out Should Occasion Call them again this 
Fall, which I Heartily Hope it will be the Case and 
that it will also be in your Power to Cross the River, 
that the Indians may be Paid for Some of their Mis- 
deeds. I beg you will Let me Know by Express if I 
am to Continue Here, or where, Untill the Campain 
goes Forward. Believe me any Post is Agreeable to 
me that you may think Proper, As I will make my 
Inclination & duty always Coincide with your Orders, 
and am Sir With the Greatest Respect Your most 
Obd* Hu'ble Ser*. 

James Chew 

On Public Service to Brigadier General Hand at Fort Henry 
pi" Express. 

[Col. John Gibson to Gen. Edward Hand, 1U123 — A. L S.] 
Dear General — By the Inclosed letters you will be 
informed of the state of the Garrison at Konhawa not 
knowing what Quantity of Amunition and provision 
you wou'd Choose to send by them, has enduced me to 



INDIAN DEPREDATIONS 141 

Send this Express for your further orders. After all 
the Care that has Been taken to prevent the Infection 
of the Small pox from Spreading, I am sorry to In- 
form you that a man at McClellans house in town has 
Been lying there sick of that Distemper these sixteen 
days past, the pox is quite turned on him and I am 
afraid the Distemper is Spread. Major Chew and his 
party arrived here last night he will Remain here 
until further orders from you. Cap*^. [William] 
Lochry is just come in with 150 Packhorses loaded 
with flour, he informs me that the Indians have 
Burnt a number of houses near Kiskemonetto. Noth- 
ing new from Below. If you should think it proper 
that any more flour or Stores should be sent to Weling 
please to acquaint me. Capt Lochry seems to think it 
will Be very hard to Get the Militia of Westmoreland 
to turn out, and I wish it may not Be the Case with 
the people of this County. I shall Be happy in hearing 
of your safe Arrival at Weling. I am Dear General 
your most obedient humble Servt. 

Jno. Gibson 
Fort Pitt Oct^ 21^* 1777. 
To Genl Hand. 



142 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

TORY DROWNED; ZACKWELL MORGAN ARRESTED 

[Col. John Gibson to Gen. Edward Hand. 3NN182 — 
Transcript] 

Fort Pitt Oct. 22^. 1777. 

Dear General — Just after the express left this on 
the 21^* [Oct.], James Shirley came in here with an 
account of his being attacked by Indians, between 
Capt. Cisney's place & Sam'. Newells on the road to 
Logstown. They killed one Smith & his daughter, & 
tomahawked his son, a boy about 6 years old, & after 
scalping him, left him ; the boy is still alive, but I am 
afraid will not recover. 

I am sorry to inform you that the militia of Monon- 
gahala county are in the utmost confusion, occasioned 
by the drowning of Higgison, the noted Tory. The 
report is that he in company with Col. Zach : Morgan 
and four others were crossing a flat at the mouth of 
Cheat River — Higgison was handcuffed & had bolts 
on his legs & whether he tumbled out, or was thrown 
out, is uncertain. Some say he was thrown by Col. 
Morgan : However, the coroner's inquest have found 
it wilful murder, & a called court has been held, & 
Col. Morgan is ordered to Williamsburg for further 
trial. Capt. Pigman & most of the Captains have re- 
signed, & have publicly declared they will not go on an 
expedition without Col. Morgan. As I thought the 
communicating this to you was of the utmost impor- 
tance, I have therefore sent this express'^ &c. 

John Gibson 

Gen. Hand, Fort Henry. 



^ The Virginia assembly passed a law in the autumn of 
^111, appointing three commissioners to proceed to Fort Pitt 



A TORY DROWNED 143 

[Maj. James Chew to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U124 — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt October 23 J. 1777. 
Dear General — by two men from the County of 
Monongalia Yesterday evening I was inform'd that 
Hickison, the Cursed Tory was drown'd in Crossing 
Cheat River, in Company with Col°. Morgan and Sev- 
eral others, the Magestrates of that County have 
Accused Col°. Morgan, as the Person who threw the 
said Hickson into the River and Proceed to find him 
Guilty & have Past Sentence for his further Tryal at 
Williamsburgh by the Accounts my informant Gives 
me no Positive Proof Could be made Appear, against 
the Col°. Please Receive the Acc^ in their Own 
Words. CoP. Morgan after Ironing Hickson was 



and examine the extent of the dissatisfaction in that neigh- 
borhood ; Hening, Statutes, ix, p. 374. The Loyalist dis- 
affection in this region seems to have been a direct result of 
Hamilton's letters and proclamations, already cited. In the 
autumn of 1777 the affairs of the colonists appeared desperate, 
and many thought to save their lives and property by giving 
adherence to the king. British agents sent a test oath, which 
was secretly taken by a number of poor and ignorant people 
in that part of Pennsylvania and Virginia that borders the 
Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers. Col. Thomas Gaddis 
and Col. Zackwell Morgan were especially active in arresting 
and quelling this uprising. A skirmish was held, and the Loy- 
alists dispersed. Higginson (or Hickson) seems to have been 
the only one who was killed, and his drowning was claimed 
to be accidental. His grave was marked for many years at 
the forks of Cheat River. Col. Zackwell Morgan was arrest- 
ed and tried for the murder of this prisoner, but was acquit- 
ted at the trial. For a detailed account of the episode, see 
the reminiscences of John Crawford in Draper MSS., 
6NN86-101. The excitement in the West was intense. Many 
prominent men were suspected. Col. George Morgan was 
placed under arrest for a brief time ; and even Hand's fidelity 
was in question. The disaffection finally culminated in the 
flight to the British (March, 1778) of Col Alexander McKee 
and his part}^ See post. — Ed. 



144 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

seen to turn away from him, and was not seen by any 
Person, tho, there were six others in the Boat or flatt, 
besides some others on the shore, to lay hands on the 
said Hickeson but on Getting a Cross went off without 
making any Schearch for him, tho his Hat was seen 
on the River, the Court notwithstanding, have Done 
the fatal stroke & Ordered him to Williamsburgh. 
This will stop the Militia from that County, which 
will Ruin the Expedition. Good Heaven that the 
Death of a Vile Tory should Effect us so nearly & 
Ruin what you have with so much Labour, pains & 
Dificulty almost Accomplished. Yet, Sir, Without 
Some Method Can Timely be thought of that will set 
aside the ill timed Judgm*^. of Court, The Militia 
from that County are not to be Expected. I know 
the People there well and am sensible that it is not in 
the Power of any other Man but Col°. Morgan to 
march them. You Good Sir, saw the Intrepid beha- 
viour of those People at the Apprehending of the 
Torys, also heard how the Popular Voice, was to 
Hang them on the Spot, it is easy for you to Judge, 
how much Louder, that Cry is now Extended against 
the Court for Condemning the Col°. Provided the fact 
had been Proved, which it seems was not done, im- 
politic when no other Man, Can do any thing with the 
Militia to still Irritate them by Condemning, the only 
Man that could, much more at this Juncture when you 
had Honored him with your Instructions; Might it 
not be to Presuming in me I would intreat you to go 
to that County Your Presence Could do every thing 
that is Required for the People there look up to you 
as their Protector. 



A A/TEETING OF OFFICERS 145 

Any Coniniands you in the Mean time sliall be 
Please to give me shall be most Cheerfully Obeyed. I 
will Repair any where, do any thing, so that the Expe- 
dition goes On, and Let me add that my Dear f reind 
the Col°. may be extricated from the Heavy Charge 
Laid against him. Will you be so Kind as to forgive 
the faults of this Letter as I am much imbarrassed & 
Confused for the best of Freinds & the Disapoint- 
ments you have Experience [d] on this side the Moun- 
tains I am Dear General With the Greatest Respect 
Your obliged & most Hble Ser^ 

James Chew 

Col. Gibson writes all the News in this part of the 
Country and gives a much better Acc^ of Col. Mor- 
gans affairs than I can Posible do at this Time. 
On Public Service To. Brigadier General Hand at Fort 

Henry 



COUNTY LIEUTENANTS MEET; EXPEDITION 
ABANDONED 

[Calendar of letters. 3NN49, 58-62, 187, 188: 1U127. 
Oct. 26-Nov. 5.] 

Oct. 26. General Hand writes to Col. Daniel 
McFarland of Monongalia County asking him to come 
to a meeting of the officers at Fort Pitt, Nov. i. 

Nov. I. General Hand writes from Fort Pitt to 
Col. Archibald Lochry that he has just returned from 
Fort Henry to meet the commanding officers of the 
counties of Yohogania, Monongalia, Ohio, and West- 
moreland, and get their positive answ^er as to the 
practicability of an expedition. Mentions Burgoyne's 



10 



146 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

defeat, and (jcncral Tottcr's attack on Hessians." 
Orders an ollicer and a few men to White Pine Run, 
as the commander-in-chief has sent orders to with- 
draw Capt. Samuel Miller. 

Nov. 2. General Hand writes to Mrs. Hand: ''I 
am just returned from a visit to Fort Henry on the 
Ohio, and am sorry to inform you that I despair of 
being able to do anything effectual this season. If T 
can assist the inhabitants to stand their ground, and 
wait the event of our success to the Northward, shall 
now deem myself doing a great deal." 

Nov. 2. Col. Archibald Lochry writes to General 



^ The report was, that "General Potter with the Cumber- 
land militia attacked looo Hessians on their march from Phila- 
delphia to Chester with baggage, killed some, took 300 pris- 
oners, and seized all the baggage and 13 pieces of brass artil- 
lery," This seems to have been incorrect, although in De- 
cember General Potter attacked a foraging party from Phila- 
delphia, with great bravery and effect, and was commended 
by Washington. 

Gen. James Potter was born (1729) in Ireland, coming to 
America while young. His father John was sheriff for Cum- 
berland County, and the son began his career during the 
French and Indian War, when he served on Armstrong's 
campaign against Kittanning. At the outbreak of the Revo- 
lution he joined the patriot forces, and was commissioned 
brigadier-general in the spring of 1777, after serving through 
the Trenton-Princeton campaign. In the autumn of this year 
he commanded the Pennsylvania militia, and was assigned the 
task of watching the west side of the Schuylkill and cutting 
the enemy's communication with Chester and Wilmington. 
The latter part of the year he retired, because of illness in 
his family. Rejoining the army, he was in 1782 commissioned 
major-general, after serving on the executive committee of 
his state. He was in 1784 a member of the council of censors, 
and died at his home in Penn's Valley, near Bellefonte, Cen- 
tre County, in 1789. A portion of his papers was secured by 
Dr. Draper from his descendants. It was unfortunate that 
the entire collection was not entrusted to Draper's care, for 
it has since been scattered and destroved. — Ed. 



SEEKING OPINIONS 147 



Hand that they can furnish but lOO men for the expe- 
dition, as their frontier is much distressed, the savages 
daily committing hostihties, burning and plundering.^" 

Nov. 2. General Hand writes to Col. George 
Morgan that he expects little aid from the neighboring 
counties. He has returned to Fort Pitt to meet the 
county-lieutenants, who have not all arrived, owing to 
excessive high waters. Narrates the Indian attacks 
at Logstown and in the vicinity. "Tom Nichols and 
party are returned ; they were out 6 weeks and a day ; 
he has been at Muncy and Musquaghty towns,^^ Le 
Boeuf and to the head of French Creek, but could not 
discover any appearance of a regular enemy." 

Nov. 3. General Hand sends to the Delaware 
chiefs additional good news from the Eastward. 

Nov. 3. General Hand requests of the county offi- 
cers their sentiments in writing about the expedition. 
Only seventeen men have come from Bedford, three 
from Westmoreland, a few are assembled at Fort 



i"See Lochry's letter in Penna. Archives, v, p. 741. — Ed. 

" Probably Thomas Nicholson, who had lived with the In- 
dians, and on several occasions was guide and interpreter ; 
see Dumnore's War, p. 13, note 26. 

The Munsee were a division or clan of the Delawares, who 
had several villages upon the upper Allegheny. Thence issued 
tlie parties that struck the Westmoreland frontier. These 
villages were established some time previous to 1748, when 
Celoron in his voyage mentions several "Loup" towns — the 
Munsee were the wolf — loup — clan of the Delawares. Celoron 
likewise mentions one town containing a number of Renard 
(or Fox) Indians — see Wis. Hist. Colls., xviii, p. 40. This 
would seem to be the town to which Hand here refers under 
the name of "Musquaghty". The Foxes called themselves 
Musquake, and the remnant of the tribe in Iowa is still known 
by this name. These were the villages raided by P>rodhead 
in his expedition up the Allegheny in 1779. — Ed. 



148 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Henry. There are at Fort Randolph 130, from which 
he could not draw more than 100. 

Nov. 3. John Campbell, county lieutenant of Yoho- 
gania, Daniel McFarland, colonel of Monongalia, 
John Gibson, lieutenant-colonel of 13th Virginia, 
Alexander Barr, colonel of Westmoreland,^^ and 
James Chew, major of Monongalia, submitted their 
opinion to General Hand. The number now collected 
will not exceed 800; not more than 150 more avail- 
able. ''And as the cold season is now setting in, and 
the militia destitute of the necessary clothing — give us 
leave. Sir, to offer it as our opinion, that under these 
difficulties, the stationing a number of men, not less 
than four hundred, on the frontiers of Monongalia, 
Yohogania, & Westmoreland, this winter, is all that 
can be done ; and from the distressed situation of Ohio 
county, a number not less than one hundred and fifty 
men." 

Nov. 5. General Hand countermands orders for 
militia, expressing his great mortification at finding he 
could not collect a sufficient body of men to march 
into the Indian country. 



1- Alexander Barr was one of a group of Scotch-Irishmen 
who as early as 1769 removed from Cumberland Valley to 
Derry township, Westmoreland. The Barr settlement was 
about a mile from the village of New Derry and contained a 
blockhouse known as Fort Barr. During an attack in 1778 
on Wallace's Fort, one of the Barrs while hastening to the 
relief of his friends, was shot and killed before attaining the 
safety of the fort. Alexander Barr went down the Ohio 
about 1785, locating lands in company with Richard Wallace; 
he was at that time killed by the Indians for trespassing on 
their lands. See Hand's letter to Colonel Lochry, dated Nov. 
5. '^Il'l, with regard to the disposal of Colonel Barr's troops, 
in Darlington, Fort Pi ft, pp. 228, 229. — Ed. 



CORNSTALK 149 

FORT RANDOLPH REINFORCED; CORNSTALK 
DETAINED 

[Capt. Matthew Arbuckle to Gen. Edward Hand. 3NN 78, 
79 — Transcript.] 

Fort Randolph, 7th Nov^. 1777 

Sir — I have the pleasure to inform you of the ar- 
rival of the troops from Augusta and Bottetourt here 
the 5'^. inst, under the command of Col°. Dickinson & 
Col. Skilron [Skillern]. 

I am very uneasy concerning the batteaux which I 
have daily expected for some time past — by which I 
expected to hear more particularly from you relative 
to the ensuing campaign. I am somewhat suspicious 
that some misfortune has befallen them, being con- 
vinced you would have despatched one down with 
flour with the greatest expedition, knowing the condi- 
tion of this garrison both with respect to flour & salt. 
We were totally out of salt three days ago, & our 
beeves are daily losing. 

I have here detained Cornstalk and two other Shaw- 
anese^^ whom I'm determined to keep confined until 
I have further instructions from you. 

I much doubt you have been disappointed in the 
troops you demanded from the several counties, which 
might probably have defeated your design. Should 
you be so circumstanced, 1 desire you would despatch 
as many boats with flour as would be sufficient during 
the winter, as I make no doubt but the river may be 
frozen up. 



^3 Xhe other Indians were Redhawk and a chief who hav- 
ing lost one eye was familiarly known as "Old Yie." His 
Indian name appears to have been Petalla. See West Vir- 
ginia Magazine, April, 1902, p. 57, — Ed. 



150 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Should you be prevented from proceeding, would 
desire you would give particular directions relative to 
Cornstalk as I am well satisfied the Shawanese are all 
our enemies. The last arrived troops had scarcely 
flour sufficient to carry them to this garrison. In- 
closed I send you the n*'. of troops last arrived. I am, 
with respect, Sir, Y"" very hble serv^, 

Mathew Arbuckle 
Genl Hand 

[Col. John Dickinson to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U128 — A. L. S.] 

POINT PLESENT NeAR FoRT RANDOLPH /th Nov'" 1777 

Dear S^. — Col". Skilron from Bottetourt and myself 
from augusta arived here with our Troops from Each 
County the 5**^ Instant whare w^e flattered our selves 
of the hapyness of meeting y'". Excelency but being 
Disapointed Do greatly fear that som accident or Dis- 
apointment has fell in y"". Way Which I should be 
hearttely sorry for our N° of Troops are Not men- 
tined here as the strength of the Whol is Inclosed in 
Cap*. Arbuckels Letter agreeable to y^. Excelency s 
Instructions to your County Lieu*^^. We brought Flour 
and salt seficiant only to bring us to this place as We 
ware greatly Detaind on our march by Rain and high 
Waters.^* We Expected to have met with a seficient 



I'' Tn an application (1832) for a pension in Tyler Count3^ 
Virginia, Peter Berting thus describes the outward march of 
the Augusta troops (6ZZ44) : He volunteered in a company 
commanded by Capt. John Hopkins, which was part of a regi- 
ment headed by Col. John Dickinson, and Major McClanahan. 
They rendezvoused at Staunton and marched to Warm 
Springs, Bath County, thence to Jackson's River and across 
.A^lleghany Mountain to Camp Union (Lewisburg), in Green- 
briar. There they formed a junction with Skillern's forces 



ATTACK ON WALLACE'S 151 

supply of provisions here but to our great mortifica- 
tion found the garison out of salt and very scarce of 
Flour tho Wile we have Beef am Willing to sur- 
mount Every Deficalty and hardship untill We Either 
see or hear from y''. Excelency. our Troops are Ex- 
streemly good In general and in high sperits Keen for 
the Expedision under a Commander of so great a 
Carecter as y^'.self 

I am Dear general tho unacquainted Y''. Excelencys 
most obediant and very Hble Serv^ 

John Dickinson 



WALIiACE'S FORT ATTACKED 

[Col. John Proctor to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U129 — A. L. S.] 
TwELVUE Mile Run Nov. ye 8^^ 1777 
Honored Sir — I am Just Returned from Bedford 
with My famaly and find this Quarter of the Contry 
Mutch Destresst, and in the greatest confusion there 
was a party of the Bedford Millita at my House on 
theire Martch to Joyne you and receved youre orders 
to return the necessity of this Distresst frunt^ 
[frontier] Calls for Asistiance Coll". [James] Smith 
being one his martch with a bodey of about Eighty 
men thought it nessery to order them With him I 
hope his conduct wnll Meet youre aprobation. Wal- 
lases fort was Attacted one tuesday last^^ with a body 



from Botetourt, and crossed Sewell Mountain to the Great 
Kanawha. They halted for several weeks four miles below 
the falls, and then descended the river to Point Pleasant. — Ed. 
15 According to a note on the manuscript, written by Dr. 
Draper, this attack occurred Nov. 4, 1777. The following 
details are given in a contemporary journal written at Ligo- 
nier during the autumn of 1777. See George A. Albert, 
Frontier Forts of Pennsylvania (Harrisburg, 1896), ii, pp. 



152 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

of about forty or fifty White Men and indeans the 
peple in the fort kild one of the white men and 
obHdged the rest to retrate but the[y are] Seen Evory 
Day in the Neibohud we havue though [t] it would 
answer [every] avaluble End To Send out a Strong 
party in order to fall in with them if Posable. 

I Congratlate you on the Good Nuse from the Nor- 
ward and am Sir youre Most Obed Humble Servt 

John Proctor 

N. B. I just now recaved intiligance that our 
batrys has blue up by hot bals at Bilingsport a Ninty 
gon Ship & 2 others and kild three hundred Hesions 
and a numbor of Helandors who had landed and made 
an atempt to storem the Garason but failed in their 
Desires/^ I am your Hu® [servant] 

j-p 



244, 245: "[Novr.] 5th. The Light Horse Men return'd with 
the news that yesterda}^ about 11 o'clock Wallace's Fort was 
attacked by a number of Indians on one Side while a White 
Man on the Other Side came wading up the Tail Race of his 
Mill with a Red Flag which seem'd to be intended as a decep- 
tion for the attack. When the Man appear'd open to the 
Fort in the instant of the Attack 7 Balls were fir'd thro' him. 
* * * 2 of the Balls went thro' 2 Letters he had ty'd in a 
Bag which was hung round his Neck down his Breast. * * * 
From what cou'd be discover'd by the Letters they were pro- 
clamations from Detroit to the same amount of those found 
with Col. Campbell. The same day the People about Palmers 
Fort were fir'd on." — Ed. 

1^ This is an inaccurate account of the attack, Oct. 22, on 
Fort Mercer in New Jersey, by a body of Hessians under 
Count von Donop. Col. Christopher Greene, in command of 
the fort, repulsed the enemy with great loss. He was assisted 
by Commodore Hazelwood, whose batteries fired into the 
British ship "Augusta", 64 guns, causing a great explosion 
that destroyed the vessel. The "Merlin" was likewise burned. 
These events occurred the day after the attack on Fort Mer- 
cer. Billingsport, where the stockade was unfinished, had 



ATTACK ON WALLACE'S 153 

[Col. James Smith to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U130 — A. L. S.] 
FROM ColI proctor's November the 8'^. 1777 

D'' General — Whereas I am persuaded that you 
had not heard of Wallaces fort being invaded and 
other Damages Done by the Indiens near this place 
when you gave orders to the Bedford Melitia to Re- 
turn and Whereas there is a loud Call for men here at 
present to Defend and protect this Distressed f runteer ; 
I have orderd the Bedford Melitia to march in Con- 
nection with a party of my men over Conemah^^ to 
Reconoitor and Scour the woods and if posable to 
anoy the Enemy or Drive them over the alegany; and 
I hope Sir I will be Justified by you in So Doing. I 
am Sir your most obedient Humble Serv*. 

James Smith 
To His Excelancy General Edward Hand Fort Pitt 

N B my intention is to Detain those men but about 
ten Days ; and by that time your pleasure may be 
known 



been abandoned b}- the Americans several da^'S previous to 
this attack. — Ed. 

1" The word Conemaugh is said to signify an otter. The 
stream rises in the Alleghany range and flows westward 
through Laurel and Chestnut ranges, until, uniting with the 
Loyalhanna, it forms the Kiskiminitas. The valley of the 
Conemaugh was early settled by Scotch-Irish from the Cum- 
berland. John Pomroy and James Wilson formed the nucleus 
of this colony, which was known as the Derry settlement. 
These two men came out as early as 1772. A few settlers 
may, however, have preceded them, on the north side of the 
Conemaugh near Black Lick Creek. The region was un- 
usually exposed to Indian raids, most of which originated 
with the British authorities at Niagara. Wallace's Fort suf- 
fered at least three attacks within the year 1777-78. — Ed. 



154 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

HAND REPORTS ABANDONMENT OF EXPEDITION 

[Extract from a letter of Gen. Edward Hand to Gen. George 
Washington. 15S113 — Transcript.] 

Fort Pitt 9th Nov''. 1777. 
''When I last did myself the honor to write to your 
Excellency, I fully expected to be able to penetrate 
the Indian country. But, alas! I was disappointed; 
the whole force I was able to collect, including drafts 
from Hampshire, Berkley, Dunmore, Loudon, Freder- 
ick & Augusta, did not exceed 800 men. I am there- 
fore obliged to content myself with stationing small 
detachments on the frontiers to prevent as much as 
possible the inroads of the Savages, and rely on the 
success of our arms to the Northward, & your Excel- 
lency's operations, for the rest." The writer expects 
to start next day for Forts Henry and Randolph to 
establish order and make winter arrangements. 



[Gen. Edward Hand to Gov. Patrick Henry. 3NN62, 63 — 
Transcript] 

Fort Pitt, 9*^ Nov. 1777. 
Sir — When I addressed your Excellency the 8^^. 
ult°. I fully expected to be able to give the Wyandotts 
a specimen of what their perfidy so greatly deserves, 
but to my very great mortification I am obliged to re- 
linquish that design. The militia from Hampshire, 
Berkley, Dunmore, Loudon & Frederick arrived here, 
tho' not the number I expected, Hampshire excepted — 
that county exceeded ; the number I called for from 
Augusta I suppose are now at Fort Randolph. My 
last letter from Col. Fleming, Cot^: Lieut, of Botte- 
tourt County, gave me little reason to hope that I could 
expect any men from that county in time. The Coun- 



EXPEDITION ABANDONED 155 

ties of Yohogania & Ohio are not able to assist. From 
Bedford & Westmoreland in Penn^. I did not get 50 
men for the expedition— so that on summing up my 
force I found it did not exceed 800 men, including the 
few regulars here & at Kanhawa — these badly clothed, 
& the cold season advancing. For these reasons I was 
obliged to content myself with ordering 150 men to be 
stationed in each of the frontier counties to prevent, 
as much as possible, the inroads of the savages and 
assist the inhabitants in securing their grain and other 
property. I hope Yohogania & Monongalia will fur- 
nish for themselves; for Ohio I intend detaining 100 
of the militia from some of the other Counties, if they 
are to be prevailed on to stay. 

Since my last the savages have chiefly aimed at 
Westmoreland County. They killed a soldier at Logs- 
town & wounded another ; a man & two children have 
been murdered about five miles from this place; in 
Monongalia two Indians were seen and I apprehend 
both killed. In Ohio nothing has happened. 



[Extracts from a letter of Gen. Edward Hand to Richard 
Peters, secretary to Board of War. 3NN64 — Transcript.] 

Nov. 9, 1777. 
[Says that he] expected making a move with about 
300 men assembled here from over the mountains, to 
draw out those I expected from the frontiers — but to 
no purpose. But I conjecture it has had a tendency 
to alarm the savages as they have not appeared in this 
quarter in any considerable number, since they now 
aim at Westmoreland — I believe they are yet ignorant 
of our movements this way. * * * 



156 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

About the end of August I found it necessary both 
to appease the popular clamor and for his own secur- 
ity to bring M^. Alex'". M^Kee^^ from his farm & con- 
fine him to his own house here ; he had given a parole 
to the Committee of this place obliging himself not to 
correspond with or give any intelligence to the ene- 
mies of the United States, or to leave the neighbor- 
hood of Fort Pitt without their leave — which on in- 
quiry found he had not violated. During the violence 
of the outcry he was desirous to move down the coun- 
try to Lancaster County ; and he now wishes to con- 
tinue here, having a considerable interest in the neigh- 
borhood, which I did not think necessary to refuse him 
until I learn the sense of Congress on that head. He 
has taken up the old parole, & given a new one which 
I enclose. * 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Airs. Hand. 3NN50 — Transcript] 

Fort Pitt, gt^^ Nov. 1777. 
I believe I informed you in my last that I could not 
accomplish an expedition into the Indian country. I 
was much deceived in the real strength & spirit of this 
part of the country ; but hope that the prosperity of 
our affairs to the Northward will have a happy influ- 
ence on the Western Indians. 

Jesse [Ewing] & myself intend a voyage to the 
Kenhawa & are to set out to-morrow ; on our return, 
which will be by Staunton, in Virginia, I will apply for 
leave to go down the country. 



18 For a brief biographical sketch of Alexander McKee, see 
Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 74, note 3. — Ed. 



CORNSTALK'S ATTITUDE 157 

THE MURDER OF CORNSTALK 

[Portion of the narrative of Capt. John Stuart.i^ 
6NN105-112.] 

The preceeding year 1777 the Indians again began 
under the influence of british agents to manifest signs 
of commencing hostilities, and the Corn Stak war- 
rior with the young Redhawk paid a visit to Cap* 
Arbuckle's garrison he made no secret of the dispo- 
sition of the Indians declaring that he was opposed 
to joining the war on the side of the British, but that 
all the rest of the nation but himself and his wife were 
determined to engage in it; and of course he should 
have to run with the stream (as he expressed it) on 
which Cap* Arbuckle thout proper to detain him, the 



1^ Stuart's Narrative was first published in 1833 in the first 
volume of Collections of the Virginia Historical and Philo- 
sophical Society from a copy furnished to the editor by the 
son of the author. The latter says, in his accompanying let- 
ter, that he does not know the date at which the narrative 
was written ; and that in presenting the copy he has made 
some minor changes in spelling and punctuation. In 1877 the 
American Magazine of History printed this narrative (vol. i, 
commencing pp. 668, 740) from a manuscript said to be the 
original by John Stuart, and then owned by a subscriber in 
Salem, Va., who signed himself "Wm. McC". This is dated 
December, 1820. Among the Draper MSS. is what appears to 
be a portion of the original manuscript, from which we print 
the extract relating to Cornstalk's murder, of which Stuart 
was an eye-witness. Dr. Draper was long in correspondence 
with Charles A. Stuart, son of the writer, from whom he may 
readily have obtained this document. Both this and that at 
Salem may have been originals prepared by the author. The 
circumstance of the date would go to show that the latter 
was a second edition, since the son testified that the original 
in his possession showed no date. This narrative of Stuart 
has been made the basis of all detailed accounts of Corn- 
stalk's death, by Doddridge, Withers, and later writers. The 
accompanying documents and letters throw additional light 
on this tragic episode. — Ed. 



158 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

young Redhavvk and another fellow as hostages to 
prevent the nation from joining the British. In the 
course of that summer our new Government [ordered] 
an army to be raised of volenteers and General Hand 
was appointed to the command, who as soon as suffi- 
cient fore could be collected at fort Pit was to begin 
his march down the river to point pleasant, and there 
to meet a reinforcement expected to be raised in 
Augusta and Botetourt counties. 

We collected in all 30 or 40 men and joined the rest 
of the men on their march under Colo. Skillern to 
point pleasant when we arrived there, there was no 
account of General Hand or his army and but little 
provision made to supply our troops save what we had 
taken with us down the Kanawha; and we found the 
garison unable to give us any relief, being [having] 
nearly exhausted what had been previously furnished 
before our arrival. we concluded to remain at the 
garison until General Hand should arrive, or some 
accounts from him; during our stay two young men 
of the name of Hamilton, and Gilmore, crossed the 
Kanawha one day to hunt deer ; on their return to 
camp some Indians had approached to view our en- 
campment and had concealed themselves in the weeds 
of the top of the bank at the mouth of the Kanawha ; 
and as Gilmore came along they killed him on [the] 
bank Capt. Arbuckle and myself were standing on 
the point of the opposite bank when the gun fired and 
wondered what any one was doing there firing con- 
trary to orders ; when we Saw Hamilton run down the 
bank and call out that Gilmore was killed. Gilmore 



MURDER OF CORNSTALK 159 

was one of the company of Capt. John Hall from that 
part of the country now called Rockhridge county 
[The captain was] a relation of Gilmores and whose 
familey wer chiefly cut off by the Indians in 1763-" 
when Greenbriar was cut off. Halls men instantly 
jumped in to a canoe and went to the relief of Hamil- 
ton brought the corpse of Gilmore down the bank 
scalped and covered with blood, he was put into 
canoe and as the[y] passed the River I observed to 
Capt. Arbuckle the[y] would be for killing the hos- 
tages as soon as the canoe would land but he sup- 
posed the[y] would not commit so great an out rage 
on the innocent who were not accessary to Gilmore's 
murder. 

but the canoe was scarsely landed in the creek when 
the cry was raised let us kill the Indians in the fort 
and every man with his gun in his hand came up the 
bank pale as death with rage. Capt. Hall was at their 
head. Captain Arbuckle and myself met them en- 
deavoring to disuade them from so unjustifyable an 
action but they cocked their guns threatened us with 
instant death if we did not desist and rushed into the 
fort. 

On the preceeding day Corn Stalk's son had come 
from the nation to see his father and to know if he 



20 The Gilmore family lived on Carr's Creek in Augusta 
(later Rockbridge) County. On Oct. 10, 1759, this settlement 
was attacked by a band of Shawnee, headed by Cornstalk, 
who massacred John Gilmore and his wife and son Thomas, 
and the wife of William Gilmore; after killing Thomas they 
captured his wife and three children. The marauders were 
pursued and the prisoners retaken. The same settlement was 
again raided in 1763, in which some of the Gilmore connection 
suffered, as well as their neighbors the Hamiltons. — Ed. 



160 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

was alive; when he came to the River his father was 
that instant dehneating a map of the country and wa- 
ters between the Shawanee town and the Mississippi 
at our request with Chalk upon the floor, he instantly 
knew the voice of his son, went out and answered 
him, when the young fellow crossed over and they 
embraced each other in the most tender and affection- 
ate manner. The next day the Interpreter's wife 
who had been a prisoner with the Indians and had 
recently left them, hearing the uproar and seeing the 
men coming to kill the Indians for whom she seemed 
to have an affection, run to their cabin informed them 
the people were cumming to kill them and that the[y] 
said the Indians that killed Gilmore came with Elinip- 
sico the day before, he utterly denied it declared he 
knew nothing of them, and trembled exceedingly ; 
his father incouraged him told him not to be afraid, 
for the great Spirit above had sent him there to be 
killed, the men advanced to the door, the Corn Stalk 
arose and met them, seven or eight bullets were fired 
into him, and his son was shot dead as he sat upon a 
stool. Redhawk made an attempt to go up the chim- 
ney but was shot down, the other Indian was shame- 
fully mangled. I grieved to see him so long a dying. 
Thus died the great Cornstalk warrior who from per- 
sonal appearance and many brave acts was undoubt- 
edly a Hero. I have no doubt if he had been spared 
but he would have been friendly to the Americans for 
nothing could have induced him to make the visit to 
the garison at that critical time, but to communicate 
the temper and disposition of the Indians, and their 
design of taking part with the British, on the day 




MONITMENT TO CoRNSTALK 

At Point T'Icasant. W. \'a. From a recent pliotograph 



MURDER OF CORNSTALK 161 

he was killed we held a council in which he was pres- 
ent; his countenance was dejected and he made a 
Speech all of which seemed to indicate an honest and 
manly disposition, he acknowledged that he expected 
himself and his party would have to run with the 
stream, for all the Indians or those Indians on the 
lakes and to the north were joinin the British. ^^ 

When he made his speech in council with us he 
seemed impressed with an awful presentment of his 
aproaching fate for he repeatedly said, when I was a 
young man and went to war I thought that might be 
the last time, and I would return no more but now I 
am here among you and you may kill me if you please, 
I can die but once and its all one to me now or at 
another time, this sentiment concluded every period 



"1 The British reports of the murder of Cornstalk are as 
follows : 

Jan. 15, 1778, Hamilton, then at Detroit, wrote to General 
Carleton : "Different parties of Indians have related that a 
Sergeant from that place [Fort Pitt] having been killed by 
some Shawanese, his officer required of the Commandant to 
deliver up The Cornstalk (a Shawanese Chief at that time at 
Fort Pitt being in the Virginia Interest) and some of his fol- 
lowers, this was refused, on which the Cornstalk and his 
people were seized on by force, taken out of the Fort and 
put to Death, that the Commandant dissatisfied with this act 
of violence had gone off to Philadelphia." — Mich. Pion. & 
Hist. Colls., ix, p. 481. 

Jan. 31, 1778, Joseph Galloway wrote from Philadelphia: 
"I have received an Account from Fort Pitt that Col. Hand 
had called to a Treaty the Great Corn Stalk an Indian Chief 
with other Sachems of the Delaware and Shawanese Tribes, 
and while in Treaty a Number of the Frontier People, as is 
supposed under the Direction of Hand, rush'd in upon them 
and put them to Death." — Dartmouth MSS., reproduced in 
B. J. Stevens, Facsimiles of Manuscripts in European Arch- 
ives relating to America, no. 2078, p. 11. — Ed. 
11 



162 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

of his Speech he was killed one hour after. A few 
days afterwards General Hand arrived but had no 
troops and we were dismissed and returned home 
Shortly before Christmass.-- 

Not long after we left the garison a small party 
apeared in sight of the fort. Lieutenant More--^ was 
ordered with a party to pursue them, they had come 
to retaliate the murder of Cornstalk. Moore had not 
advanced 3,4 of a mile when he fell into an ambuscade 
and was killed with i or 2 of his men. 



[Deposition on the murder. 3NN80 — Transcript.] 

Fort Randolph, Bottetourt Coxy., 10 Nov''. 1777 
The deposition of Capt. John Anderson, W"\ Ward, 
& Richard Thomas,-* being first sworn on the Holy 



-- Nov. 19, 1777, General Hand issued orders to Col. George 
Skillern, commanding the Botetourt militia, and Colonel 
Dickinson, commanding the Augusta militia, with their re- 
spective troops assembled there, to return home as the expe- 
dition is relinquished; Draper MSS., 3NN68. — Ed. 

23 There were at this time several families of Moores in 
southwestern Virginia; Andrew and William Moore of Rock- 
bridge County; James Moore, founder of Abb's Valley settle- 
ment ; William Moore on Clinch, who was a lieutenant in the 
Island Flats battle of 1776. All of these men were known to 
have been living after 1777. The Moore here mentioned was 
probably related to one of these families. — Ed. 

-'^ John Anderson was one of the first settlers of Augusta 
County, being a magistrate there as early as 1745. His home 
was on Middle River, not far from Staunton. Probably this 
deponent was a son or nephew of the first settler. 

William Ward was the eldest son of Capt. James Ward, 
noted in Dunnwres War, p. 276, note 93, and a nephew of 
Capt. Matthew Arbuckle. He afterwards emigrated to Ken- 
tucky and thence to Ohio, becoming in t8o6 founder of the 
town of Urbana, and grandfather of John Quincy Adams 
Ward, the American sculptor. 

A Revolutionary pensioner named Richard Thomas was 
living in Kentucky as late as 1840. — Ed. 



MURDER OF CORNSTALK 163 

Evangelists, deposeth & saith : That they were pres- 
ent when Rob''. Gilmore was brought over the Kan- 
hawa River killed & scalped ; on which a n*". of armed 
men appeared to be coming into the garrison in a riot- 
ous manner, on which said deponents suspected that 
they were determined to kill the Indians in custody in 
said garrison; & further say, that Capt. Mathew 
Arbuckle told them, that they should not be killed, as 
they were his prisoners, & it appeared to them that it 
was not in his power to stop their supposed intentions. 
And further say, that they proceeded into the garri- 
son, & a number of guns w^as shortly fired, on which 
the Indians were all killed, being four in number, as 
they afterwards understood — & further saith not. 

Jn°. Anderson, 
W"^. Ward 
RicHd. Thomas. 
vSworn before me, the date above said. 

Geo. Skilron 
I do certify that I know the above deposition to be 

just & true. c 1 c c „ 

Sam'. Smyth, Surg". 



[Stanza of a popular ballad related to Dr. Draper by Capt. 
James Ward of Kentucky.25 9BB54.] 

King Cornstalk, the Shawnee's boast 
Old Yie, by whom much blood we've lost, 
The Red Hawk and Elinipsico 
Lie dead beside the Ohio. 



-' Capt. James Ward, second son of the one of that name 
killed at the Battle of Point Pleasant, was born in Staunton, 
Sept. 19, 1763. When a boy of six years his parents removed 
to the Greenbriar country, where he continued to reside after 
his father's death in T774. In 1780 he and his brothers made 



164 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

NEWS FROM THE DELAWAIIES 

[Rev. David Zeisberger to General Hand. 3NN81-84 — 
Transcript,] 

C00KING,26 Nov''. l6, I777. 

D'". Sir — As Capt. White Eyes is going to the fort, 
I will not omit to acquaint you how matters are here 
now with us. Since my last we have been quiet, & 
not any warriors have passed by here except a small 
party of Mohickons & now 8 days ago, 14 Wyandotts 
& two white men with them who came from Detroit; 
& as much as we know went to Weelunk [Wheeling], 
John Montour being in their company. 

Some time ago, as we heard, 50 Frenchmen came 
over the Lake to Cuyahoga, & gave the Delawares and 
Muncys^^ who live there the tomahawk, & desired 



an exploring tour to Kentucky, whither they removed in 1785 
and settled near Washington in Mason County. Captain Ward 
went out in Logan's expedition against the Indians in 1786; 
again with Edwards in 1791 ; and on Kenton's Paint Creek 
expedition of 1793, when the only person killed was John 
Ward, brother of the original Captain Ward, who had been 
captured when three years of age and reared among the In- 
dians. In 1794 James Ward was in Wayne's campaign. He 
later became a Presbyterian elder in the Washington church, 
under Rev. Robert Wilson. In 1845 Dr. Draper visited Cap- 
tain Ward at his Kentucky home, and had a prolonged inter- 
view with him. Ward died Feb. 27th of the next year. — Ed. 

-6 A mistranscription of the Indian term for Coshocton, 
which the German Moravians spelled in several different 
forms. It was the chief town of the Delawares during the 
Revolutionary period. See Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 46, note 
73-— Ed. 

27 The early Indian history of Cuyahoga River is obscure. 
Some of the Six Nations seem to have removed thither at an 
early date, and probably occupied the village denominated on 
Evans's and Hutchins's maps as "Cuyahoga Town." It would 
seem likewise to have been the site of an Ottawa village and 
a French trading house; and may have been the "Riviere 
Blanche," so frequently mentioned in the reports of the 



NEWS FROM DELAWARES 165 

them to go with them to Ligonier.^^ Capt. Pipe not 
being at home, they consented, & 40 men went with 
the French, but Pipe met them on the road, reproved 
the French for deceiving his people in his absence, & 
told them that they were only servants, & had no 
power to hand the tomahawk to them : Nobody could 
force him neither to take it — whereupon the greater 
part of the Indians turned back. 



French officials, 1742-53. See Charles A. Hanna, Wilderness 
Trail (New York, 1911), i, pp. 315-339- George Croghan had 
a trading house in the vicinity in 1747, which seems to have 
been abandoned by 1750 for one on the Muskingum. During 
the French and Indian War there was an entire readjustment 
of Indian villages, but the Cuyahoga town is still shown on 
later maps. It would seem, however, to have been the abode 
of Delawares rather than of Mingo, and the inference from 
this letter is that it was the headquarters of Captain Pipe 
before his removal in 1778 to the Sandusky region. The In- 
dians reported in the autumn of 1777 that the British were 
building a storehouse at Cuyahoga to supply the neighboring 
Indians with goods ; but during the later years of the Revo- 
lution the region seems to have virtually been deserted. In 
the late autumn of 1782, Maj. Isaac Craig was ordered out 
from Fort Pitt on a reconnoissance to the mouth of the Cuya- 
hoga, to discover if the British were there building a post. 
He reported on his return that there was no sign of occu- 
pancy — Washington Irving Correspondence, pp. 137-139; 
Draper MSS., iNNiii, 4S10. In 1786 the Moravian Indians 
lived for a short time at the old Ottawa village, on the east 
side of the stream, just north of Tinker's Creek, in Independ- 
ence township ; but the following spring they removed to 
Sandusky Bay. The preceding year, by the Treaty of Fort 
Mcintosh, the Cuyahoga had been made the dividing line be- 
tween white and Indian territory. With the exception of an 
occasional wandering trader, this locality appears to have been 
unvisited thereafter until the settlement (in 1796) of the 
Western Reserve. — Ed. 

28 Fort Ligonier was built during Forbes's campaign in 1758, 
on the site of a well-known Indian town, probably of Shawnee 
origin, on Loyalhanna Creek, just west of Laurel Hill. While 
the advance of the army was encamped there, the enemy 
attacked them, after having inflicted (Sept. 14, 1758) a severe 



166 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Capt. John Killbuck & Pipe are gone to Detroit — 
upon what business Capt. White Eyes can tell you bet- 
ter. They did not desire me to write for them, so I 
suppose they did not approve of what you proposed 
to them. 

The Shawanese — Cornstalk's people, perhaps, will 
move from their place & come to Cuchachunk this 
winter. They lately sent messengers who consulted 
with the chiefs here about that matter; & as no mes- 
sengers from hence are on their way thither, we shall 
soon hear what they are resolved to do. 

Of the Mingoes we have heard nothing since the 



defeat upon Grant's skirmish line that had penetrated to the 
neighborhood of Fort Duquesne. The attack upon Ligonier 
was repulsed, and was the last battle between French and 
British in this section, A garrison was maintained at this 
point until after Pontiac's War, when Fort Ligonier was 
besieged, and relieved with much difficulty. About 1765 the 
permanent garrison was withdrawn, and in 1766 Capt. Harry 
Gordon reported that the fort was much shattered and rot- 
ting away. He also mentions some inhabitants clustered 
about the fort. More would come, he says, if right of pos- 
session was secured — Hanna, Wilderness Trail, ii, p. 40. In 
1769 a land-office was opened at Ligonier and settlers flocked 
in rapidly. The land on which the fort stood was patented to 
Gen. Arthur St. Clair. The ravages of the Revolution did not 
reach the Ligonier Valley until the summer of 1777, when 
Col. Archibald Lochry set about establishing a stockade fort 
at Ligonier. probably on the site of the former British fort. 
This was officially known as Fort Preservation, but ordinarily 
received the well-known appellation of Fort Ligonier. From 
this date until the close of the Revolution, Ligonier Valley 
was constantly exposed to the Indian ravages. Nov. 7, 1777, 
it was reported that all of the settlers had fled to a distance 
forty-two miles from Ligonier — Frontier Forts, ii, p. 245. 
The party to whom allusion is made in this letter is doubtless 
the one that attacked Fort Wallace ; see ante. Palmer's Fort, 
in Ligonier Valley, was likewise attacked and eleven persons 
killed and scalped, among whom was Ensign Woods ; Fenna. 
Archives, v, p. 741. — Ed. 



NEWS FROM DELAWARES 167 

Half King^^ was here; & it seems as if they were tired 
of going to war, or rather frightened. We heard that 
after their last ret^. they went over the Lake & asked 
the Wyandott Chief's counsel & advice what they 
should do, because the Virginians would soon be upon 
them. The Wyandot Chief answered them, that they 
had begun the war, & had always encouraged others 
to go to war; they had now brought it to pass what 
they always had wished for; he therefore could give 
them no other advice than to be strong & fight as men. 
Capt. White Eyes intends to stay at the fort two 
or three days, & wish you would let him return again 
as soon as possible, for none of the Counsellors are at 
home to do business, if any thing should happen; but 
if occasion should require to detain him longer, please 
to let the people here know of it that they may not be 
uneasy about him, for some apprehend because the 
Cornstalk is taken fast at the Kanhawa, White Eyes 
may be served so too : If he therefore stays out above 
the time he has appointed them, they will surely think 
so. The letter Gen'. Hand had sent to me last, the 
messenger lost. I suppose you will by this time have 
some news from before — if you can favor me with 
any you will much oblige Sir, Your Hbl®. Serv^ 

D. Zeisberger 



29 In his Narrative, pp. i6o, i6i, Heckewelder describes a 
visit of Half King (for whom see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 91, 
note 14) to the Delaware towns in August, 1777. The Wyan- 
dot having sent to the Delawares the war-belt, which the lat- 
ter had refused, next dispatched thither their head-chief and 
a deputation of 200 warriors. The Delawares, especially the 
Christian Moravian Indians, were much alarmed at their 
approach; but all ended well, for the Half King made a cov- 
enant with the Christian Indians and acknowledged their 



168 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

NEWS OF CORNSTALK'S MURDER 
REACHES VIRGINIA 

[Col. William Preston to Col. William Fleming. 2ZZ43 — 
A. L. S.] 

Smithfield Dec 2^ 1777 
Dear Sir — Last Night I rec'd your most obliging 
Favour of the 10^^ of November, for which I thank 
you. The News it confirms is glorious, and Interest- 
ing to every Friend to the American Cause; and I 
have the greatest hopes that it will have a happy Effect 
in our Favour, by striking a Damp to our Enemies 
and encouraging our Friends both in America and 
Europe. God Grant that a proper and prudent use 
may be made of this signal success ; & that the Ameri- 
cans may not relax in their Duty by ''crying Peace 
when there is no Peace ;" and thereby loosing sight of 
the great Object they have in View, in hopes that no 
further Efforts will be made by our Enemies. I wish 
the dividing Counties here, the rating whiskey &c. in 
Pennsylvania, may not too much engross the Atten- 
tion of the Legislatures of the States, while proper 
Provision to cloathe and recruit the Army & lessen the 
Quantity of Currency in Circulation are neglected. I 
only mention these Doubts to my Friend, as I am not 
certain they have any real Foundation. 

Parson Smith^^ came here last night, and Informs 
that the Augusta Troops &c. are on their way from the 



chiefs as "Fathers". He likewise agreed to leave the Dela- 
wares in peace, and permit them to retain their much-prized 
neutrality. — Ed. 

30 Rev. Adam Smyth (so he v^rote the name) was a native 
of Ireland, and in 1772 served for five months as curate of 
the Augusta parish at Staunton. Resigning from his cure, 
he was the following year appointed rector of Botetourt par- 



LOYALIST TENDENCIES 169 

Point, after killing the Cornstalk and some other 
Shawnesse Chiefs in cold Blood. This Account he 
had by a Letter from his Friend at that Place. I am 
apprehensive this Conduct will be followed by very 
bad consequences to the Frontiers, by engaging us in 
a war with that Revengful & Warlike Nation and their 
Allies. 

This County affords no News worth your Notice, 
only that Capt. Burke^^ & his whole Company except 
four or five & near forty of my Neighbours have Posi- 
tively refused the Oath of Allegiance to the States. I 
have laboured with them untill I am wearied out and 
to no Purpose; and next week I intend to order them 
to be disarmed, having given them this week to come 
in and take the Oath, and I have the greatest reason 
to believe that it will be attended with much Trouble 
and perhaps Resistance. The Ringleaders, such as 
Price, Bane, Shull & the Heavins, dont realize the 
Punishment as the Law now Stands; and I am con- 
vinced that they, and all such will stand out untill their 
Property or Persons can be more Affected than what 
the Law subjects them to. The present Punishment 



ish. But little is known of his history. He appears to have 
been an American sj^mpathizer during the Revolution, and in 
1 781 applied for leave for a visit to Ireland. In 1782 he was 
again in his parish, where the Virginia assembly ordered an 
accounting of the tithes due him before the disestablishment 
of the church in that state. He was living as late as 1792. 
His youngest son was Gen. Alexander Smyth, prominent in 
early nineteenth-century Virginia. — Ed. 

31 Capt. Thomas Burk had for some years been a militia 
officer; see his letter in Dunmore's War, p. 398. In 1775 he 
accepted a commission from the Virginia committee of safety, 
and served until Feb. 18, 1778, when he tendered his resigna- 
tion ; see letter, post. — Ed. 



170 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

is really a matter of Divirsion to them. They bring 
no Suits, they never Elect, they dont attend Court; 
they can dispose of their arms and they dont want to 
purchase Land ; by these means they entirely evade the 
force of a Law, to which I sincerely wish some 
amendments could be made to stop this growing Evil.^- 
They speak with Caution therefore do not come within 
the Law for punishing certain Offences. In short they 
do as they Please.^-' 

I would beg the Favour of you to lay the Enclosed 
stat[ement] before Mr Jefferson and any other of the 
first Lawyers & take their Opinion in writing for 
which pray pay their Charge & I will repay you with 
Thankfullness. You will readily Judge that it relates 
to Col Pattons Will.^^ I am my D'" S'" your Sincere 
Wellwisher & most Obed^ Serv^ 

W"^. Preston 



32 Colonel Preston is here referring to the law passed in 
May, 1777, entitled, "An act to oblige the free male inhabitants 
of this state above a certain age [sixteen] to give assurance 
of Allegiance to the same, and for other purposes." This 
provided for the taking of an oath renouncing all allegiance 
to the king of Great Britain, and that the county lieutenant 
shall disarm recusants. It further provided that all refusing 
the oath shall "be incapable of holding any office in this state, 
serving on juries, suing for any debts, electing or being elect- 
ed, or buying lands, tenements or hereditaments" ; Hening, 
Statutes, ix, pp. 281-283. — Ed. 

^'^ The act referred to was passed at the October session of 
1776, and provided a fine of £20,000 and an imprisonment of 
five years for openly maintaining and defending the authority 
of the king or parliament of Great Britain. Ibid, pp. 170, 
171. — Ed. 

34 Col. James Patton was one of the earliest settlers of the 
Valley of Virginia. He was a Scotch-Irishman who had 
served in the royal navy, and later owned a passenger vessel 
trading to America. In connection with Benjamin Borden, 
his father-in-law, he obtained a large grant for land west of 



DIFFICULTIES 171 

Perhaps it would be Possible to get two or three 
Lawyers together & get their Opinion, all Expense 
shall be paid as I am very anxious in this matter. 
Col. Wm. Fleming p^ Fayi" of Cap* Cloyd, 



HAND AT FORT RANDOLPH 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Col. William Fleming. 17J2 — 
Transcript.] 

BOTTETOURT CoUNTY33 DeC". 3d 1777. 

Sir: I take this opportunity of thanking you for 
your readiness in granting me the assistance I re- 
quested of you, & am extremely sorry that the mutual 
exertions of your county & Augusta were so badly 
seconded as to put it out of my power to carry my 
designs into execution for the benefit of the distressed 
frontiers; but hope that the rapid successes of the 
American arms to the Northward will do more for us 
than we can do for ourselves. Should that unhappily 
not be the case, I have every reason to expect that you 



the Blue Ridge, and after 1738 was busily employed bringing 
out families for its settlement. He was a Presbyterian, and 
largely instrumental in founding Tinkling Spring Church, of 
which Rev. John Craig was pastor. In 1742 he qualified as 
colonel of the county militia, and in 1745 as member of the 
county court. Later he was county lieutenant, and in the 
early years of the French and Indian War was entrusted with 
the defense of the vast frontiers of Augusta County. In 
1755, while Patton was on a tour of the Western country, he 
stopped at Draper's Meadows and was killed during the mas- 
sacre at that place. He is said to have cut down two Indians 
with a broadsword, before he was himself shot and killed 
from without the house. His will was admitted to probate 
at Staunton in November, 1755. His nephew. Col. William 
Preston, was its chief executor. — Ed. 

35 The fort at the mouth of the Great Kanawha was at this 
time within the limits of Botetourt County. — Ed, 



172 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

will on a future occasion, show the same readiness to 

assist your neighbours. 

I ordered your troops under Col. Skilron to march 

back from Fort Randolph, and to be discharged on 

their return. Their number fell short of your orders, 

but beg that this circumstance may not exclude Major 

Poag from his appointment; his readiness to serve in 

any capacity merits that mark of respect. I am, Sir, 

with respect. Your obed^ hble serv*^. 

Edw^. Hand. 

Col. W'". Fleming, Co. Lieut, of Bottetourt. 



INDIANS OF THE ALLEGHENY 

[Col. John Gibson to Gen. George Washington. 15S114 — 
Transcript.] 

Fort Pitt. Dec''. 5th, 1777: 

Gen. Hand has gone down the Ohio to regulate the 

garrisons in that quarter; Since he left this place 

(Nov. loth) Nothing Material has happened. Simon 

Girty,^*^ a Messenger dispatched by General Hand to 



36 In view of his later history, the employment of Simon 
Girty by the military authorities at Pittsburgh at this period, 
is interesting. No doubt he was a good spy and ranger. As 
such he was employed by Dunmore — see Dimniore's War, 
p. 152, note 4; and again by Wood in 1775 — Rev. Upper 
Ohio, pp. 28, 43. He was interpreter in 1775 at Fort Pitt 
(Ibid, p. 67), and in May, 1776, was made official interpreter 
for the Seneca, among whom he had been a captive in boy- 
hood. This position he retained only for three months ; but 
afterwards was employed in enlisting volunteers, and received 
a commission as second-lieutenant in the Continental army. 
His conduct in the summer of 1777 caused General Hand to 
suspect his loyalty, and for a short time he was under arrest. 
But after examination before a magistrate, he was acquitted 
and was sent by Hand on this important mission to the Sen- 
eca towns. For Girty's official report of this expedition, made 
to Col. George Morgan, commissioner for Indian affairs at 



ALLEGHENY INDIANS 173 

the Seneca towns on the heads of the Alleghany, re- 
turned here a few days ago. he informs us Gu-a- 
sho-ta,^^ a chief of them, had returned from war ; that 
he had killed four people near Ligonier ; that another 
party returned and brought in a white man and three 
scalps whilest he was in the towns ; that they told him 
all the Nations, excepting White Eyes & a few Dela- 
wares, would strike us in the Spring; that they told 
him he Must go with them to Niagara f^ that he made 



Pittsburgh, see William M. Darlington, Christopher Gist's 
Journals (Pittsburgh, 1893), pp. 214-216. — Ed. 

^'' For a brief sketch of this chief see Rev. Upper Ohio, 
p. 38, note 65. This note is, we find, erroneous in regard to 
Guyashusta's attitude during the Revolution. In the first 
years, the chief, like the other Seneca, was in favor of neu- 
trality. But after the council at Oswego (1777), he was 
pledged to the British and went on the Oriskany expedition. 
His relative, Governor Blacksnake, told Dr. Draper (4S64) 
that Guyashusta (Giasodo) was not on any other Revolu- 
tionary campaigns. This referred to the war on the New 
York frontier ; whereas Guyashusta seems to have been in- 
stigated by the officers at Niagara to attack the Pennsylvania 
frontier. The raid which Girty reported was doubtless that 
against Wallace's Fort. Guyashusta also led the Hannastown 
raid in 1782, and throughout the Revolution terrorized the 
border. — Ed. 

38 There is still much obscurity concerning conditions at 
Niagara during the Revolution. Frank H. Severance, secre- 
tary of the Buffalo Historical Society, has, however, made 
two important contributions to the subject in Old Trails on 
the Niagara Frontier (Buffalo, 1899), pp. 63-103; and Buffalo 
Historical Society Publications, ix, pp. 221-308. During 
the period covered by our volume, Col. Mason Bolton of the 
34th Royal Artillery was commandant-in-chief. Niagara was 
the headquarters of the New York Loyalists, and thence par- 
ties issued to harry the New York frontier. The Pennsyl- 
vania frontier was likewise exposed to the Indian allies of 
the British. The Seneca made headquarters at Niagara, and 
in February, 1778, Col. John Butler of the Queen's Rangers 
wrote from that place : "The Indians of the Six Nations & 
those from the westward have exerted themselves in laying 



174 FRONTIER DEFENSE OX UPPER OHIO 



n 



his escape by going to hunt for his horse; he says the 
news of Burgoyne's Surrender had not reached there. ""'-^ 
[Gibson then speaks of having sent Capt. SulHvan'"^ 
down the Country for clothing for the 13th Virginia 
regiment, & hopes Gen' Washington will so direct as 
to enable him to return with a supply as soon as pos- 
sible.] 

[John Gibson] 



waste the Country most exposed to them from the east branch 
of the Susquehanna to the Kiskismenitas Creek upon the 
Ohio & from thence down to Kanhawa River an extent of 
many hundred miles is now nothing but an heap of ashes 
such of those miserable people as have escaped have taken 
refuge in small forts." Commandant Bolton wrote Dec. 14, 
1777, that he had 2300 savages at Niagara, who had all re- 
ceived presents — Mich. Pion. & Hist. Colls., xix, pp. 335, 342. 
Under these circumstances it seems remarkable that any set- 
tlements were maintained west of the Alleghany Mountains 
during the years of the Revolution. — Ed. 

39 Girty declared (in report cited in ante, note 36) that the 
Seneca had not heard of Burgoj^ne's surrender, and would 
not believe his report of this event. When they reached 
Niagara they learned these tidings, for Colonel Bolton wrote 
(Mich. Pion. & Hist. Colls., xix, p. 335) : "The accounts of 
the unfortunate affair that happened to General Burgoyne's 
Army reached this place a considerable time before the Chiefs 
assembled here, which put it out of Colonel Butler's power 
to execute what was intended." — Ed. 

40 As early as 1769, Capt. James Sullivan had settled on the 
west side of the Monongahela ; and upon the enlistment of 
the West Augusta or 13th Virginia regiment (see Rev. Upper 
Ohio, p. 250, note 94) was chosen one of its captains. In 
1/79 he served at Fort Mcintosh, and the next year emigrated 
to Kentucky, settling a station not far from Louisville. In 
Clark's campaign of 1780 he acted as master of horse, and 
was captain in the expedition of 1782 (Draper MSS., 36J4). 
He was one of the early trustees of the town of Louisville, 
and owned many lots therein; in 1783 the trustees met at his 
house. He was a large, powerful, and active man, and prom- 
inent in the new community. He died early in the nineteenth 
century near St. Louis, at the home of his son, John C. Sulli- 



MURDER OF CORNSTALK 175 

HAND REPORTS CORNSTALK'S MURDER 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Maj. Samuel McDowell. 3NN67— 

Transcript.] 

Camp near Kelly's*^ on Kanhawa, Nov. [Dec] 5, 1777 

Sir — As I understand that a mare belonging to one 

of the Shawanese Indians lately murdered at Fort 

Randolph has been sold at vendue by the desire of the 

soldiers, &: that the money she sold for is to be paid 

into your hands — I hereby request that you may remit 

it to Capt. Mathew Arbuckle for the benefit of the 

representative of the dece^. ^t- tt -, 

^ (Edward Hand] 



[Gen. Edward Hand to Gov. Patrick Henry. 3NN69-71— 
Transcript.] 

Staunton, 9th Dec. 1777 
Sir — When I wrote your Excellency from Fort Pitt 
in Nov'"., I promised myself the honor of addressing 
you from Fort Randolph before now, but as I found 



van. Another of his sons was George Rogers Clark Sulli- 
van. — Ed. 

^1 For the location of Kelly's, on the Kanawha, see Dun- 
more's War, p. 112, note 82. Walter Kelly emigrated from 
the Carolinas to the Greenbriar settlement in 1773, and against 
the protests of his friends made an advance settlement on 
the Kanawha in the autumn of that year. He was there killed 
by a marauding Indian party, early in 1774. The place was 
thereafter known as Kelly's. Soon after the Battle of Point 
Pleasant, Kelly's improvement was purchased by William 
Morris, likewise of Greenbriar, who soon removed his family 
thither. Morris was one of the notable men of Kanawha 
Valley history. He was at the Battle of Point Pleasant, 
where he was wounded. After settling at Kelly's he built a 
fort and had many a skirmish with the savages. In later life 
he was a member of the Virginia assembly for Kanawha 
County. The Morris family had many descendants and con- 
nections of note, among whom was Bishop Thomas A. Morris 
of the Methodist Episcopal church. — Ed. 



176 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 



n 



this the only rout by which I could return with pro- 
priety I deferred it until my arrival here/- Before T 
left Fort Pitt I received a letter from Capt. Arbuckle 
informing me that he had confined two Shawanese 
Indians, suspecting them to be spies, & that he ex- 
pected a number of their chiefs in a short time & was 
determined to confine them also, until he had more 
particular instructions from me. On my way down, 
I rec^. another letter from him, a copy of which is 
inclosed together with a return of the militia from 
Augusta & Botetourt, & the deposition of some people 
respecting the murder of four Shawanese Indians. 
On my arrival at Fort Randolph the i8*^. ult°., I was 
much concerned to hear that the Cornstalk, his son, 
the Red Hawk's son, & another Indian had been mur- 
dered by the militia, tho' in close confinement in the 
garrison, more especially as the Cornstalk appeared to 
be the most active of his nation to promote peace. I 
understand that Ensign Gilmore of the Botetourt 
militia & two others straggled over the Kanhawa to 
hunt; soon after they crossed the river they took dif- 
ferent routs, & Gilmore was killed & scalped within a 
trifling distance of the fort. This so enraged the men, 
that a party immediately proceeded to the fort & mur- 



42 It is an interesting commentary on means of communica- 
tion at this period, that the only practicable route from Fort 
Randolph to Fort Pitt was by way of vStaunton. Probably 
General Hand followed the same route as the Augusta troops 
had taken going out; see ante, p. 150, note 14. Staunton was 
the county town for Augusta, and was settled by the Lewis 
family in 1732 at the Beverly mill-site. It was surveyed and 
platted in 1748, and incorporated in 1761. The origin of its 
name is uncertain ; possibly it was intended to honor Dr. 
Edmond Staunton, an eminent English Presbyterian preachei 
of the seventeenth century. — Ed. 



MURDER OF CORNSTALK 177 

dered the Indian prisoners, notwithstanding Capt". 
Arbuckle's endeavors to prevent it. Both Capt. 
Arbuckle & the field officers of the mihtia — indeed 
every officer at the Point, expressed great abhorrance 
of the deed, but unhappily none of the militia officers 
were at hand, & Capt. Arbuckle had not influence 
enough to prevent it. It would be vain for me to 
bring the perpetrators of this horrid act to justice at 
that time, therefore must comfort myself with giving 
your Exc^. this detail, & informing you that the most 
active of the party are known to Col. Dickinson, Col". 
Skilron & many other officers.^" 

>K * * 'Pile number of men now at the Point, 
including Capt. Arbuckle's & Capt. M^Kee's com- 
panies does not exceed lOO, the strength of one com- 
pany. I think they had best be consolidated, & super- 
numerary officers sent to recruit. Capt". Arbuckle 
will wait on you about the beginning of next month to 
settle some public accounts, & know your pleasure on 
this head. 

I ordered 150 men from Yohogana County, & 
same number from Monongalia, to be stationed on the 
frontiers for their defence. I detained 100 men from 
the militia of Frederick, Berkley, Dunmore and 
Loudon Counties, to remain in Ohio, and to be joined 
by 50 men from that county. 

[Edward Hand] 



*3 April 13, 1778, Capt. James Hall was brought to trial in 
the Rockbridge County court for the "murder of the Corn- 
stalk Indian, his son and two other chiefs of the Indians on 
the loth of November last." Hall appeared and denied the 
charge. The trial adjourned until April 28, when no witness 
appearing against him, he was acquitted. Three other militia- 
12 



178 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

TEMPEK OF WESTERN INDIANS 

[Col. John Gibson to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U132 — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt Dec lo*^ 1777 
Dear Sir — A few days after you set of from this 
place for Kanhawa, James Kelly^* and Tho^ Nicholson 
the Messengers, who were sent by you with Des- 
patches to the Delawares returned they informed me 
that they went to a Small town of the Delawares on 
P)eaver Creek, '^^ where they were kindly received by 
the Indians, that on their Acquainting them with their 
Business, and desiring some of them to Accompany 
them, the Chief told them it would not be Safe for 



men — Hugh Galbraith, Malcolm McCown, and William 
Rowan — were tried in like manner and acquitted for lack of 
witnesses. See "Rockbridge County Records," in Virginia 
Historical Magazine, xvii, pp. 324, 325. — Ed. 

•*■* A family of Scotch-Irish Protestant Kellys lived in Lan- 
caster County. Their founder was John, who emigrated to 
America before 1730, and became a well-known Indian trader. 
One son was Maj. John Kelly, who served in the Pennsyl- 
vania line of the Revolutionary army. There was likewise a 
son James, who may have been this messenger to the Dela- 
ware towns. He was born in 1749, married Elizabeth Forster, 
and was buried in the Derry churchyard in the present 
Dauphin County, Pa. — Ed. 

■*•'' There were several Indian towns on Beaver Creek and 
its branches. The most famous was Kuskuskies — probably a 
group of three or four contiguous towns, built originally by 
the Six Nations, but later occupied by the Delawares. These 
towns were near the forks of the Beaver and along the 
Mahoning, its western branch. Salt Lick town, near the pres- 
ent Niles, Ohio, was a well-known locality : but the town 
here noticed was probably the one known as Mahoning. Most 
of the Delawares had before this period removed to the Tus- 
carawas and Muskingum, but a small town seems to have 
been maintained at Mahoning, probably about the site of the 
present Newton Falls in Trumbull County, Ohio ; this was 
on an important trail to the West. See A. B. Hulbert, "Indian 
Thoroughfares of Ohio," in Ohio Archaeological and His- 
torical Society Publications, viii, p. 270. — Ed. 



ENEMY INDIANS 179 

them to proceed any further, as they might fall in with 
the Enemy Indians, he told them he would take the 
Messages himself and goe with them to Gyahoga, and 
from thence to Cooshachkung.*^ he Gave them a 
String of Wampum as a Token of their holding fast 
the Chain of friendship. 

Simon Girty another Messenger who was also sent 
by you with Messages to the Seneca towns on the 
Heads of the Allegheney, Returned and Informed me, 
that he went to the towns without meeting any In- 
dians, tho by the Marks of the Warriors on the Roads 
he could Discover they had Been at War, that on his 
arrival there he acquainted them with the Success of 
our Army to Northward and Asked them if they had 
not heard of it. they Replied they had not. he then 
told them they might depend on it for truth, and de- 
sired them to sit still as they would hear it in a few 
days from their own people, they then told him they 
looked upon him as a Spy, and that they would take 
him to Niagara they informed him that all the West- 
ern Nations had taken up the Tomhawk against the 
Americans Excepting White Eyes and a few Dela- 
wares and that they would be Ready to Strike in the 
Spring. he Learned that Seven parties were then 
actually out against our frontiers, that Guashota had 
Been twice at war against our Settlements, that he had 
killed four people near Ligonier, that the White 



*6 This would be the natural order of the route from Ma- 
honing, which was nearer Cuyahoga than Coshocton, and on 
the direct trail toward the former — probably to the town of 
Captain Pipe, mentioned ante, p. 165. — Ed. 



180 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Mingoe*" had also Been at War, that the flying Crow**^ 
Brought in a White Woman Daughter of Dudley 
Dougherty who was taken near Ligonier, whilst he 
was there and some scalps,^*^ that All face the head 
Warrior^^ was out with a party of 25 five [sic] Men, 
that the Evening Before they were to set of[f] for 
Niagara he pretended to hunt his horse, and after 
going out he Returned in a Great hurry saying he saw 
a flock of Turkeys and snatched up his Gun and Came 



*" This chief is noted in Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 27, note 53. 
It is apparent from this document that he did not die before 
1777. Governor Blacksnake stated to Dr. Draper (4S67) 
that he had no knowledge of the White Mingo having had 
part in the Revokition, and therefore supposed he must have 
died before this date. Blacksnake appears to have been well 
informed regarding operations against the New York fron- 
tier, but not of those ravages in Pennsylvania for which the 
Allegheny Seneca were responsible. The date of the death 
of White Mingo is uncertain. The map republished as fron- 
tispiece in Rev. Upper Ohio, seems to have been made from 
information secured on a trip down the Ohio in 1794. The 
"Mungo blanc" who gave that information was doubtless the 
White Mingo. One of that name is said to have died on the 
site of Fort Wa3aie in 1790; see Louise W. Murray, Old 
Tioga Point (Athens, Pa., 1908), p. 109. — Ed. 

4« For this chief see Rev. Upper Ohio, passim. He was in 
attendance at the treaty of 1775. — Ed. 

*9 A contemporary journal written at Ligonier (see ante, 
p. 147, note 10) has this entry for Nov. 2: "About 3 miles 
from Richardsons [which was three from Ligonier] 2 men 
were killd & Scalp'd & a W^oman missing. 24 of our Men 
tnrn'd out and bury'd Richardson." There was a Dougherty 
family captive at Niagara, apparently in 1780; but probably 
was not connected with the person here mentioned. See 
Severance's list of captives in Buffalo Hist. Colls., ix, 
p. 250. — Ed. 

"^'^ This chief has not been identified. He may be the same 
as Hodowndaoga. head chief of the Conowango village. At 
the time of Brodhead's expedition (1779), this chief and his 
people abandoned their village on the site of Warren, Pa. 
Later he settled on the Catteraugus, where he lived to be an 
old man, dying early in the nineteenth century. — Ed. 



GIRTY'S REPORT 181 

away, that in the night he came to another town on 
the River where he got a Canoe and Came by Water, 
that near the Kittanning Early in the Morning an In- 
dian from the Shore haled him and asked him who he 
was, that he told him his name was a Chiefs name 
who he left in the towns, that the Indian told him 
he Lyed that he knew him to be Girty and desired him 
to come ashore, that on his Refusal he fired several 
shot at him. 

He Girty says that he thinks, they will wait to hear 
from the Northward as they are guided by a Chief of 
the Senecas there, and that the Surrender of Bur- 
goynes Army will have a Good Effect on them I am 
Dear Sir with Respect your most Obedient humble 

Serv*^ 

Jn°. Gibson 

To Brigadier Geni Hand 



THE KENTUCKY SETTLEMENTS 

[Col. John Bowman to Gen. Edward Hand. 3NN192-196 — 
Transcript.] 

Harrodsburg, December 12*^ 1777 
Sir — We received yours by M''. John Haggin,^^ 
dated Fort Randolph, ig*''. November, 1777. Which 



•''1 Capt. John Haggin was born in 1753 near Winchester, Va. 
In early life he removed to western Pennsylvania, where he 
married and served on Dimmore's campaign of 1774. He was 
one of the earliest settlers of Kentucky, coming out in the 
spring of 1775 with his wife's uncle. Col. John Hinkston. The 
next year he brought out his family and built a cabin on 
Hinkston's fork of Licking; but because of Indian hostilities 
he removed that summer to McClelland's Station, on the site 
of the modern Georgetown. Haggin was at McClelland's 
when George Rogers Clark arrived at Limestone (Maysville) 
with gunpowder for the Kentucky settlements, and was one 



182 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

news gives great satisfaction to the poor Kentucky 
people, who have these twelve months past been con- 
fined to three forts, on which the Indians made several 
fruitless attempts. ^^ They have left us almost with- 
out horses sufficient to supply the stations, as we are 
obliged to get all our provisions out of the woods.^' 



of the party who helped to carry it in to Harrodsburg. 
.About that time (Jan., 1777), McClelland's Station was 
broken up, and the Haggins removed to Harrodsburg. 
There he had numerous adventures with Indians, was closely 
pursued, and at one time he was supposed for over two weeks 
to have been killed or captured. But later he walked into his 
cabin quite unconcerned, greeting his wife with, "How are 
you by this time, Nancy?" In May, 1777, Haggin was sent 
express to Fort Pitt, where it was understood that an Indian 
treaty was to be held. The Kentuckians had wished to have 
a representative at this affair to recover their stolen horses 
and obtain what reparation was possible. The treaty, as we 
have seen, did not take place, but Haggin would appear to 
have spent the summer in the neighborhood, and to have 
been, at the time of this letter, on his return to Harrodsburg. 
In 1778 he joined Clark's expedition for Kaskaskia, and the 
following year was in Bowman's campaign. In 1780 he settled 
Haggin's Station, not far from Harrodsburg, and there be- 
came a planter and landholder. His wife died June 15, 1821, 
and he March i, 1825. For these dates our thanks are due 
to James B. Haggin of New York, a grandson of the Ken- 
tucky pioneer. — Ed. 

^2 On the situation in Kentucky see ante, p. 103, note 63 ; 
also Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 205, note 47, and p. 242, note 85. 
The three forts were Boonesborough, Harrodsburg, and 
St. Asaph (or Logan's) Station. All these were founded in 
1775. Logan abandoned his station during 1776 and retreated 
to Harrodsburg. During March, 1777, he returned to his old 
location, near the present Standford, Ky., and rebuilt his fort, 
which he occupied with his own and a few other families. 
Twice during the summer of 1777 Logan had sought relief 
from the Holston settlements, for his beleaguered garrison. 
After September the raids of the savages appear to have been 
diverted to the Fort Pitt neighborhood, and the Kentuckians 
enjoyed a comparative immunity. — Ed. 

53 James Ray, one of the Harrodsburg defenders, had one 
old horse left out of a drove of forty that he and his step- 



KENTUCKY GARRISONS 183 

Our corn the Indians have burned all they could find 
the past summer, as it was in cribs at different planta- 
tions some distance from the garrisons, & no horses 
to bring it in on. At this time we have not more than 
two months bread, — near 200 women & children;^* 
not able to send them to the inhabitants; many of 
those families are left desolate, widows with small 
children destitute of necessary clothing. 

Necessity has obliged many of our young men to go 
to the Monongohale for clothing (their former place 
of abode), intended to join their respective companies 
as soon as possible, as there will be a sufficient guard, 
I think proper to order some corn to this place for our 
support : we intend to keep possession and plant crops 
the ensuing spring, as we have no other place to expect 
relief from. If we are denied this request we must 
do without bread, till we can get it from what we in- 
tend to plant. 

I find it difficult to keep the garrisons plenty in meat, 
& if we have no bread we must at any rate suffer. I 
am. Sir, with due respect. Your humb. Servt, 

John Bowman^^ 
Genl Hand, FK Pitt Favored by Lieut. Linn.^s 



father Hugh McGary brought to Kentucky. In later life, Ray 
related that he would steal out from the Harrodsburg fort 
before daylight and hasten to the woods as hunter for the 
garrison, returning after dark with a horseload of game for 
food; Draper MSS., 4B118.— Ed. 

■ ^* A census taken May 1,1777, reported the presence of 
201 persons at Harrodsburg, about fifty at Boonesborough, 
and thirty at Logan's Station; Ibid, p. 125. — Ed. 

55 For a sketch of this pioneer see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 170, 
note 94. — Ed. 

56 Lieut. Benjamin Linn was a younger brother of Col. 
William Linn. Being born in New Jersey in 1738, Benjamin 



184 FROxNTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

LOYALISTS AT FORT PITT 

[Gen. Edward Hand to a committee of Congress. 3NN85-88 — 
Transcript.] 

Fort Pitt, 2i«t_ Dec. 1777. 

Gent". — Before the arrival of your favor of the 
24*''. Oct''. I had gone from this place to Fort Ran- 
dolph, from whence I did not return till yesterday, 
which prevented my complying with your order 
sooner. 

The report of Col. George Morgan's being arrested 
here was well founded. The express (a militia offi- 
cer) who brought the enclosed letter from Col. Zach : 
Morgan informed some of his acquaintance in town 
that the principal people here concerned in the 
conspiracy, were Col. George Morgan, Col. John 



lived during early life in western Maryland. In 1769 he re- 
moved with his brother to the Monongahela and devoted most 
of his time to hunting. Before hostilities broke out he had 
lived much with the Indians. Early in 1776 he went out to 
Kentucky and formed part of the Harrodsburg garrison, aid- 
ing in removing the powder thither (Jan., 1777), and distin- 
guishing himself for bravery in the attack of March 7, 1777. 
When the militia was organized for Kentucky County, in the 
spring of the same year, he was chosen lieutenant. In April 
he was, with one other companion, sent by George Rogers 
Clark to discover the situation at Kaskaskia, in the Illinois. 
Here he narrowly escaped detection as a spy, and at the insti- 
gation of an American friend, retired in haste. A contem- 
porary letter indicates that this was not Linn's first visit to 
Illinois — "Kaskaskia Papers," in Illinois Hist. Colls., v. p. 8. 
After Linn's return to Harrodsburg he married (July 9, 1777) 
Hannah Sovereigns. Linn did not go out with Clark on his 
Kaskaskia or Vincennes expeditions, but with several men 
joined him at the latter place in July, 1779. In 1782 he found- 
ed the first church in the' Green River country, and the second 
Baptist church in Kentucky. Three years later he settled in 
Larue County, and became a Baptist minister of note. His 
death occurred at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. John 
Chisholm, at Huntsville, Ala., Dec. 23, 1814. — Ed. 



LOYALISTS 185 

Campbell, Capt. Alex"". M^Kee, & Simon Girty— & 
that the reason they were not pointed out in the letter 
was, that I was myself suspected. From this informa- 
tion I judged it prudent to secure these persons to pre- 
vent their escaping the punishment they deserved, if 
guilty, & to repair myself to where Col. Zack : Morgan 
was, to sift the affair to the bottom. Col°. Campbell 
before he had learned my intention of arresting him, 
waited on me & desired permission to accompany me, 
which I assented to; & told Col. Geo: Morgan he 
might have the same liberty, which he declined, being 
then, he said, very busy — & remained a prisoner in his 
own house. Capt. M^Kee was sent for to his farm 
house & confined in the same place ; & Simon Girty to 
the common guard-house. I was present at the exam- 
ination of the greatest number of the prisoners, & 
heard from the Magistrates who examined the whole, 
that no more than one man mentioned Col. Morgan's 
name ; his expression was, that he allowed him to be 
of their party; & some few of them mentioned Girty's 
name — but none of them either Col. Campbell's or 
Capt. M^Kee's. For this reason on my return I took 
off Col. Morgan's arrest. Simon Girty was exam- 
ined before a civil magistrate & acquitted; & Capt. 
M^Kee I put on a new parole, after obtaining the old 
one from the Cot^. Co'^ :^'^ His parole I have en- 



57 "Minute Book of the Virginia Court held for Yohogania 
County," published in Carnegie Museum Annals, ii, p. io6, 
contains the following entry under date of Sept. 23, 1777: 
"A letter from General Hand addressed to Col. Campbell 
[re] questing that Capt. Alexander McKee's Parole given to 
the Committee of West Augusta be given up to him, the said 
General Hand, in order to enable him to put Capt. McKee 



186 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

closed to the Board of War & wait the direction of 
Congress as to his future residence. 

The remarks made in the enclosed letter by Capt. 
Arbuckle on M^Kee's conduct, tho' coming (in my 
opinion) from a bad author, knowing her to have an 
implacable hatred to the woman who lived with 
M^Kee, may yet have some weight with Congress. 
The same person^^ was at Fort Randolph when I left 
it the 21''*. ultimo — she assured me that M^Kee had 
written letters to Detroit. I mention these circum- 
stances to your Honb'^. Committee, as I think them 
applicable to the present subject, & by that you may 
also communicate them to Congress. 

Col. George Morgan left this place in a few days 
after my first arrival here, & did not return until 
about the 25*^. of July — he staid until the beginning of 
October, since when he has been absent. I recollect 
that the day after he arrived here in July, he told me 
he would cross the river to talk with the Indians then 
waiting to see him, & probably not return that night. 
As I had confined the day or two before two Indians, 
I judged it unsafe, and advised him against it; but he 
still persisted — early next morning I understood he 
lay at Capt. M'^Kee's; on his return, told him what I 
had heard — he said it was so, & that he had a confer- 
ence with the Shawanese Indians ; who was his inter- 



on a New Parole, as he finds it necessary to remove said 
Alexander McKee. Ordered that the said Parole be given 
up to General Hand and that he deposit a Copy of the New 
Parole to be taken from the said Capt. McKee in lieu thereof, 
Certified by the said General Hand." — Ed. 

^8 Without doubt a reference to the Grenadier Squaw, see 
ante, p. 26, note 57. — Ed. 



LOYALISTS 187 

preter I don't know, certain it is, he can't discourse 
in that or any other Indian language. Except this part 
of his conduct may be found exceptionable, I must 
declare in justice to him that every proceeding of his 
that came to my knowledge, either as Indian Agent or 
Com^. appeared to me to be that of a zealous & faith- 
ful servant to the United States. I should have made 
early mention of his arrest, but as it was on a ground- 
less assertion, I wished to have it buried in oblivion. 
I am, gent"., with much respect Y"*. most obed*. hb^^. 

serv^ 

Edw^. Hand 
To The Honbie Richd. Henry Lee, Richd. Law, and Dan^. 
Roberdeau, Esq^s.^^ 



59 Oct. 22, 1777, Congress having heard that Col. George 
Morgan was unfriendly to the American cause, appointed a 
committee composed of the three men here mentioned to in- 
vestigate the report — Journals of Congress (new ed.), ix, 
p. 831. In November following, the case was placed in the 
hands of the commissioners for the Western frontier, who 
on April 7, 1778, fully acquitted Morgan and restored to him 
all his honors, offices, etc. The letter here published was 
Hand's reply to the inquiry of the first committee. 

Richard Henry Lee (1732-94) was one of the most promi- 
nent of the Virginia patriots, a member of the Continental 
Congress from its inception, president thereof in 1784, and 
the first senator from his state. 

Richard Law (1733-1806) was a Connecticut patriot, son of 
a colonial governor, a graduate of Yale, and long a member 
of the Continental Congress. He was a lawyer of repute, 
chief justice of his state, and after 1789 the federal judge for 
his district. 

Daniel Roberdeau (1727-95) was a Philadelphia merchant, 
and was of great service to the Revolutionary cause. — Ed. 



188 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

ALLEGHENY INDIANS AT WAR 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Col. George Morgan. 3NN89 — 
Transcript] 

Fort Pitt, 24th. Dec. 1777 

D'". Sir — As I communicated your first relation of 
Genl Burgoyne's defeat to the Delawares, & as the 
last is no more than a repetition, I don't think it neces- 
sary to repeat the expense. Indeed I don't think it 
advisable to send any person among them at present, 
not knowing what effect the death of Cornstalk, who, 
with his son, the Red Hawk's son, & another Indian, 
being prisoners, were [killed] at Kanhawa the 10*^^. 
ult°. Kayashuta, the White Mingo, All-Face, the 
Flying Crow, &c have been lately at war. 

Edw^. Hand 
Col. Geo : Morgan 



HAND RETURNS TO FORT PITT 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Jasper Yeates. MS. in New York 
Public Librar}^; Hand Papers — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt 24*^. Dec''. 1777 

D^ Yeates— Your fav''^ of the 23^. & 31^^ Ocf. 
1777 I have rec^. and thank you heartily for the good 
news you Communicate, & am More happy that the 
domestic Acc*^ you are likely to give me next will be 
still better. 

hope the Political [situation] will also mend — Jessy 
can give you the Particulars of Our late Ramble, & of 
the Murder of Cornstalk, his son, & two other Shawa- 
nese Indians at Fort Randolph, if we had anything 
to expect from that Nation it is now Vanished, the 
Senecas have been often at war this fall. Bedford & 
Westmoreland have been the Scenes of Action. 



HAND SEEKS RECALL 189 

I am so heartily tired of this place that I have peti- 
tioned Congress to be recal'd. hope it may be 
Granted me. 

Farewell D''. Yeates y'". Affectionate Kinsm[a]n 

Edw^: Hand 
Jasper Yeates Esq^. 

Kayashutas the White Mingo, AUface, & all the 
Seneca Chiefs have been repeatedly at War 



[Gen. Edward Hand to the Secretary of War. 3NN89-94 — 
Transcript] 

Fort Pitt, 24th, Dec. 1777 
Sir — When I wrote you last, I acquainted you of 
my intention of visiting Fort Randolph. You will find 
by the enclosed letters from Capt. Arbuckle that 
before my arrival there he had confined some Shawa- 
nese Indians, & his reasons for so doing. On the io"\ 
ult°., the day I left this post to go to Kanawha, three 
men, one of them an ensign of the Bottetourt Militia, 
straggled over the Kanawha to hunt. The Ensign was 
killed & scalped within a small distance of the fort, 
which exasperated the militia to such a degree that a 
party of them rushed into the fort, & put the Corn- 
stalk, his son, the Red Hawk's son, & another Indian 
to death, notwithstanding Capt. Arbuckle's endeavors 
to prevent it. From this event we have little reason 
to expect a reconciliation with the Shawanese, except 
fear operates on them ; for if we had any friends 
among them, those unfortunate wretches were so. 
Though from information brought me from the 
Seneca country, which Lt. Col. Gibson has already 



190 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 



communicated to you, we have little reason to expect 
that will be the case. * * * 

Col. W"". Crawford has arrived.^"^ I hope his activ 
ity and influence will have a very good effect. If 
Major John Stephenson^^ could have any appointment 
worth his acceptance, I think he also would be a valu- 



1 



60 For a biographical sketch of Col. William Crawford see 
Dunmore's War, p. 103, note 48; his early Revolutionary 
service is sketched in Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 250, note 94. After 
joining the Continental army in August, 1777, Crawford 
served with efficiency, commanding a detachment of scouts 
and skirmishing with the British under Howe. November 20, 
Congress resolved "that General Washington be requested to 
send Col. William Crawford to Pittsburg to take command 
under Brigadier General Hand of the Continental troops and 
militia of the Western department." In this way Crawford 
lost his place and rank in the Continental line, and it was 
never restored to him. He seems to have spent part of the 
winter of 1777-78 at his own home on the Youghiogheny. In 
March and April he was present at Yohogania County court, 
acting as magistrate and commissioner to lay out prison 
bounds. His subsequent career will be outlined in later docu- 
ments in this volume. — Ed. 

61 Maj, John Stephenson was a half-brother of Col. William 
Crawford, and was born in Virginia about 1737. He was out 
in the French and Indian War, and about 1768 removed to 
the West, settling on Jacob's Creek, in Fayette County. There 
in 1770 he was visited by Washington, who was then return- 
ing from viewing Western lands. In 1774 Stephenson com- 
manded a company under Dunmore, and was active on the 
Virginia side during the troubles between that state and 
Pennsylvania. In 1775 Stephenson enlisted a company for 
the colonial cause, and joined Col. Peter Muhlenberg as cap- 
tain in the 8th Virginia ; this regiment saw service at Charles- 
ton and Savannah. In the summer of 1777 Stephenson con- 
tracted disease, and returned home that autumn. He did not 
again enter the Continental army, but served as a volunteer 
on Hand's campaign (1778), and that of Mcintosh (1778-79). 
About 1790 he removed to Kentucky, where he lived and die<i 
on the South fork of the Licking, leaving no children. He 
was a large, active man, brave, kind, and popular. For Sam- 
uel Murphy's reminiscences of Stephenson, with whom he 
lived, see Draper MSS., 3S1-10, 5S1-9. — Ed. -^ 



HAND SEEKS RECALL 191 

able acquisition. I wish much to be permitted to lay 
my proceedings here before Congress. 1 assure you 
that I have fully exerted my poor abilities to accom- 
plish the end for whch I was ordered here, yet am 
sorry to say that little advantage has arisen from it ; 
& unless some other measures can be fallen on, I have 
little reason to promise myself better success for the 
time to come. 

I think that as it is now winter, & Col. Crawford 
present, my absence for some time would not be at- 
tended with inconvenience. If Congress have no par- 
ticular objection, would esteem it as a most singular 
indulgence to be recalled & suffered to join the grand 
army, with them to share the honors & fatigues of the 
field. Indeed, unless our affairs will admit of the 
assistance of a regular force, I had rather resign my 
office than continue here in command of militia. 

Capt. Willing^^ had arrived here a few days before 
my return from Fort Randolph. I have in the best 



62 Capt. James Willing, youngest son of Charles and his 
wife Anne Shippen Willing, was born in Philadelphia Feb. g, 
1751. The Willing family were prominent in colonial affairs, 
and James's oldest brother, Thomas, was a partner of Robert 
Morris, and aided in financing the new nation. James re- 
moved in 1774 to Natchez, where he dissipated his patrimony. 
In 1777 he returned to Philadelphia, and received. from Con- 
gress a commission as captain in the navy, with permission to 
proceed to the Mississippi River to secure the neutrality of 
the inhabitants along its banks and to bring back provisions 
to the states. He enlisted a company for this purpose (see 
roll in Penna. Archives, 2nd series, xv, p. 658), and in an 
armed boat christened "Rattletrap" left Pittsburgh Jan. 10. 
1778. Arrived at Natchez he succeeded in securing a pledge 
of neutrality from the chief inhabitants (see Almon's i^^m^w- 
hrancer, vi, p. 343), but was accused of having in a wanton 
manner pillaged and inflicted damages on their property. 
Having proceeded to New Orleans, Willing captured a small 



192 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 



manner I could supplied hitn with such things a 
wanted, but am afraid the river will be shut up before 
he gets away. * * * 

Ed^^. Hand 

To Rhd. Peters, Sec. of Bd. of War 



1 



[Gen. Edward Hand to Jasper Yeates. MS. in New York 
Public Library; Hand Papers — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt 27th. DeC". 1777 

Dear Yeates — Just as the Major [Jasper Ewing] 
was about to set out for Lancaster I rec^. your favours 
of 24 & 26 Nov''. & 8*^^. Instant, and need not mention 
my joy at the agreable tidings you give me, my ab- 
sence from this Place for some time prevented my 
Answering your Many Favours Sooner, I refer you 
to my last & the Major for every thing worthy 
Relating from this Place. I wish much for an En- 
quiry into the Causes of the Indian Expedition failing 
& hope judicious men will be Appointed 

Adieu D'". Yeates remember me to every Body & 
Believe me to be most Affectionately y'"'' 

Edw^ Hand 
Jasper Yeates, Esq'", pr. Major Ewing 



British vessel at Manchac, and used this for further depreda- 
tions on the property of British sympathizers. In the follow- 
ing year he sent his troops back up the river under charge of 
Lieut. Robert George, who placed them under the orders of 
Gen. George Rogers Clark. Willing himself proceeded to 
Mobile, where he was captured and narrowly escaped being 
hung. He was finally shipped as prisoner to New York, and 
kept on Long Island,' under parole, with other American 
officers. Having resented an insult offered by a British offi- 
cer, Willing was incarcerated in New York City and loaded 
with irons, where he remained for three months. One of his 
sisters, wife of a British officer, interceded for him with Sir 
Henry Clinton, who finally permitted him to return to Phila- 



AN ATTACK SUGGESTED 193 

NEW EXPEDITIONS PLANNED 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Westmoreland officers. 3NN94 — 
Transcript.] 

Fort Pitt, 27^^. Dec^. 1777. 
D^. Sir — I am informed that the gent", in West- 
moreland have it in agitation to make a descent on one 
of the Indian Villages on the Alleghany. I think that 
it might be put in execution without much hazard — 
would therefore gladly consult with you on the occa- 
sion, as I can make you acquainted with many circum- 
stances you are now a stranger to I am, dear Sir, very 
sincerely y''^ 

Edw^. Hand 
Col. Jno. Proctor or Col. Jas. Smith 



[Gen. Edward Hand to Col. William Crawford. 3NN95 — 
Transcript.] 

Fort Pitt, Dec. 28*^. 1777. 
D'". Crawford — As I expect the pleasure of seeing 
you in a few days, shall defer communicating a matter 
I much wish to set on foot, until that time.®^ 

There are at Kayahoga about 100 miles from here, 
a magazine of arms and provisions sent from Detroit, 
& 15 batteaux lie there. You may guess the rest. 
Y'\ &c. 

Edw^. Hand 

Col. Wm Crawford 



delphia on parole until exchanged. He is said to have been 
exchanged for Henry Hamilton, governor of Detroit. Willing 
was never married. He made his home in Philadelphia, 
where he died Oct. 13, 1801. — Ed. 

63 See Crawford's reply of Jan. 4, 1778, published in C. W. 
Butterfield, Washington-Crawford Letters (Cincinnati, 1877), 
p. 66. — Ed. 

13 



194 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

NEWS FROM FORT RANJ)OLPH 

[Capt. William McKee to Gen. Edward Hand. 1U133— 
A. L. S.] 

Sir — Messrs Bailey^* & Lynn Express from Ken- 
tucky to you CalH here on their way with whom I 
transmit your Excellency some acc*^ of the state of this 
(larrison and what has happened since your Depart- 
ure on the 29^'' Nov. last Lt Moor with a Reconoit- 
ring party fell into an ambuscade of about 20 Indians 
within about 100 y^^ of the turnip field M'". Moor & 
one private belonging to my Compy were kill^. we 



6^ John Bailey was born in Northumberland County, Va., 
May 4, 1748. He came to Kentucky as early as 1776, and 
appears to have lived at Harrodsburg. In 1778 he was com- 
missioned lieutenant, and joined Clark's Kaskaskia expedi- 
tion. In August of that year Clark sent him to the aid of 
Capt. Leonard Helm at Vincennes. Having returned to Kas- 
kaskia, Bailey became a member of the expedition to recap- 
ture Vincennes, and was sent in advance with a detachment 
of fourteen men to make the first attack on Fort Sackville. 
When Clark left Vincennes, Bailey was placed in command 
of part of the garrison. November, 1779, found him at a 
council of war at Louisville, when he is first designated as 
captain. In 1780, Bailey accompanied Montgomery on his 
expedition to Rock River, and early in the following year was 
in command at Fort Jefferson on the Mississippi. Thence he 
was detached in January, 1781, to take command at Vin- 
cennes, where he remained until November under great diffi- 
culties, due to lack of provisions, hostility of the Indians, etc. 
In 1782 and 1783 he was still in service at Fort Nelson, and 
in 1784 was one of the commissioners for the Clark grant of 
land in Indiana, wherein he received his captain's allotment. 
At the close of the Revolution, Captain Bailey became a 
Baptist preacher, and was influential in laying the foundations 
of that church in Kentucky. In 1792 and 1799 he was a mem- 
ber of the constitutional conventions for the state, and voted 
in favor of an emancipation clause. He died at his home in 
Lincoln County, July 3, 1816, leaving the reputation of an 
honored minister of the gospel, and a loyal, efficient soldier 
and public servant. — Ed. 



CAMP DISEASES 195 

sally^ from the Garrison with all Possible speed but on 
our approach the Enemy fled in diffrent parties so that 
we Got none of them nor any thing belonging to them 
only one Blanquet & a Tomhawk. about 8 Days 
Afterwards one came to the other side the Ohio Just 
as it got Dark Fired his Gun and CalH. over that He 
was Morgan^^ and was perishing with cold & Hunger 
wanted to be brought over I wou^ not let any of the 
men go over But sent Katty & Fawney®^ as they 
wer[e] setting off he ask^. how many were coming 
with her was told none but the two ; he told her not 
to come till morning But we have [heard] nothing 
of the Gentleman since I suppose he wanted some 
hair [a scalp] but was Disappointed nothing of Im- 
portance has happened since The small Pox & 
Meazles both spread through the Garrison there is 
now 17 men lying in them. Cap* Arbuckle left the 
Garrison the 5*^^ Inst^ 11 men went with him four 
had gone before make 15 on Furloe the state of 
the Garrison at present as follows — Capt Arbuckles 
Compy I L*. & serg't 19 Rank & file fit for Duty 5 
serg*. 8 Rank & file sick i sergt 7 Rank & file on 
Furloe. 

My Compy i Capt i U. 2 Serg*^ 39 Rank and file 
fit for Duty 8 Rank & file sick i Serg'<^ 6 Rank and file 
in Furloe i L*^ absent You will Sir see by this our 



65 No doubt this was an Indian who had taken the name of 
Col. George Morgan, long a trader in the Western coun- 
try. — Ed. 

66 Katty [Katy] was the Grenadier Squaw, for whom see 
ante, p. 26, note 57. Fawny [Fanny] was probably her 
daughter, who is known to have been at Fort Randolph with 
her. — Ed. 



196 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Garrison is verry weak and in all probability will be 
weaker as many of the men have those Disorders to 
take. 

The Commissary has wrote you and (I suppose) 
has given an acc^ of the Provisions. 

Please Present my Comp'^^ Maj'" Ewing & other 
officers at your post tho' unacquan[t]ed. I am your 
Excellencys Most obed^ Hble Serv^ 

y^m m^Kee. 
Fort Randolph 31st. Decern 1777 

P. S. We have Nominated M'". David Wallace^^ 
my Eldest Sergt to act as second L* in my Compy I 
hope you'll approve of & signify your approbation in 
your next. 

On Continental service To His Excellency Edward Hand 
B. Genl 



PLANS FOR CLARK'S EXPEDITION 

[Gov. Patrick Henry to General Hand. 3NN196 — Transcript.] 

William SBURGH, Jan. 2d 1778. 

Sir — I was favored with your two last letters which 
shall have my attention. 

I have to request that you will please to furnish 
Major G. R. Clark with boats sufficient for conveying 
seven companys of militia on an expedition of great 
consequence.'^^ Besides the immediate advantages 



t^" Probably belonging to the Wallace family of Augusta 
County, early settlers near Staunton. — Ed. 

68 George Rogers Clark (1752-1818) was born in Albemarle 
County, Va., and as early as 1774 was surveying on Ohio 
River. For his commission as captain in Lord Dunmore's 
War see volume thereon in the present series, p. 156. In 1775 
he visited Kentucky, and was occupied with its defense until 
the autumn of 1777, when he returned to Virginia to obtain 
authority for his plan to capture the Illinois settlements. 



CLARK'S ERRAND 197 

arising from the success of it, the consequential bene- 
fits will be many. A good understanding with [New] 
Orleans is a desirable object. And I must entreat you, 
Sir, to give Major Clark every assistance which he 
may want. The boats I hope will not long be wanted ; 
& the use of them, & every other thing furnished by 
you will be amply compensated by the Major's suc- 
cess, which I beg leave to assure you I am most anx- 
iously concerned for. I refer you to that gentleman 
for an explanation of the errand on which he goes. 
It is needless to inform you how necessary it is that 
the whole affair should be kept impenetrably secret. 
I have the honor to be. Sir, Y^ obedient hble. Serv* 

P. Henry. 
P. S. I should have consulted you on the expedi- 
tion, but time would not permit. I direct the Major 
to get his powder & lead from your quarter. Please 
to let him have what is necessary. P. H. 

Genl Hand, Pittsburgh Favd by Majr Clark. 



EXPEDITIONS FOR NEW ORLEANS 

[General Hand to Jasper Yeates. MS. in New York Public 
Library; Hand Papers — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt 6*^. Jany. 1778 
Dear Yeates — Since I wrote you by Major Ewing 
have nothing to mention but the Arival of M'" George 



This proposal was approved by Gov. Patrick Henry, and the 
accompanying letter was one of several issued on this date, 
destined to promote the expedition. Clark had at this time 
been commissioned lieutenant-colonel of Virginia militia; but 
Henry uses familiarly his former title of major, given while 
in command of Kentucky forts. The object of the expedition 
had necessarily to be kept secret, to insure its success. — Ed. 



198 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 



J 



Clyiiier*^^ (one of the Comn^issioners) Yesterday.^" 
I have not yet heard of the Other Gent", hope they 
may soon Arive and that I may be Able to return with 
M^. Clymer as our Army has gone into Winter Quar- 
ters, suppose nothing material will take place before 
Spring My love to every Body Adieu! D"". Yeates 

Affectionately y''^ 

Edw^ Hand 
Jasper Yeates Esq''. 



[Capt. James Willing to General Hand. 3NN198 — Transcript.] 

Ft Pitt, Jan. 7, 1778. 
As I expect to bring at least five boats from New 
Orleans laden with dry goods, & navigated by 20 or 25 
men each, I request the favor of you to give the neces- 
sary orders for a sufficient quantity of flour & pork to 



*^9 George Clymer was a prominent Philadelphia patriot. 
Born in that city in 1739, he was educated by his uncle, 
William Coleman, and early entered into the colonial disputes. 
He opposed the landing of tea, served on the first committee 
of safety, and was a signer of the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence. For several years he was a delegate to the Continental 
Congress and to the Constitutional Convention. He was first 
collector of excise for Philadelphia, one of the directors of 
the Bank of North America, and a commissioner (1796) to 
treat with Cherokee Indians. He died in 1813 at his home in 
Bucks County, Pa. — Ed. 

'0 Nov. 20, 1777, Congress took into consideration the state 
of the Western frontiers of Pennsylvania and Virginia and 
the disaffection existing there as the result of Hamilton's 
proclamations. It determined to appoint a commission of 
three to investigate the rise, progress, and extent of the dis- 
affection and to provide means both for checking it and the 
Indian ravages. Col. Samuel Washington, Mr. Gabriel Jones, 
and Col. Joseph Reed were appointed. The last named having 
withdrawn, George Clymer was (Dec. 11) elected to take his 
place. See Jour, of Cong, (new ed.), ix, pp. 942-944, 
1018. — Ed. 



ROGERS'S EXPEDITION 199 

be lodged for me by the beginning of April next at the 
Arkansas.'^ Not less than 60 or 70 barrels of flour, 
of 250 to 300 ^^^ each, & 20 or 30 bb'^ of pork. I will 
supply my crews with the remaining quantity of meat 
necessary below. 

[Gov. Patrick Henry to General Hand. 3NN199 — Transcript.] 

WnisBURG, Jan. 15th 1778. 
Sir — Col. David Rogers has my instructions to pro- 
ceed to New Orleans on business of the greatest con- 
cern to the State. ^- He must have boats, provisions, 
Men, &c. without which his journey will be stopped. I 
trouble you, Sir, on this occasion, so important to the 
interests of America, hoping for your warmest Exer- 
tiohs to fit out the Colonel in the Most Speedy manner. 
His principal difficulties will probably be in procuring 
boats & men. But I've hopes that in a Matter of such 
high moment to your part of the country, everything 
necessary for the trip will be got with alacrity. Am- 
munition & arms will be delivered him by you. Sir, I 
hope with Convenience. I am, Sir, V Mo. hble Serv*^ 

P. Henry. 

Gen. Hand. 



■1 Arkansas Post was one of the oldest in the Mississippi 
Valley, having been founded in 1686 by some of Henri 
Tonty's men. The settlement was not continuous, the fort 
having been permanently founded about 1718 under the re- 
gime of John Law. The official name of the post was St. 
Etienne, but it was commonly known as "Aux Arcs", pho- 
neticized by Americans into Ozark. In 1748 it suffered an 
attack by the Chickasaw, and four years later was substan- 
tially rebuilt. The Spanish kept a garrison there throughout 
their possession of Louisiana, and in 1804 surrendered the 
fort to the Americans. — Ed. 

'- For a brief sketch of Col. David Rogers and his expedi- 
tion, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 232, note 75. — Ed. 



200 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

[General Hand to Jasper Yeates. MS. in New York Public 
Library; Hand Papers — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt 17*^. Jany. 1778 

Dear Yeates — Since my last nothing has Occured 
worth relating in the Public Way, and as to my pro- 
ceedings in the private Character, I cant say how you 
will relish them. I have Agreed, with M^. Ja^ Willing 
for half my Concerns on Chartiers Creek,'^^ the terms 
Kitty will communicate. M"". Clymer begins to be 
uneasie at the stay of the other Gent". I hope I shant 
have Occasion to be so on Jessy's Acc^ and that I shall 
See you soon 

my love to every Creature of your Family, My re- 



"3 Chartier's Creek rises in Washington County and flows 
north and northeast into the Ohio, a short distance below 
Pittsburgh. The name (which was corrupted by the early 
settlers into Shurtees) is an interesting reminder of early 
Indian occupation. A French-Canadian named Martin Char- 
tier was one of La Salle's party, and resided at Fort St. Louis 
in the Illinois. Having married a Shawnee squaw he migrated 
south and east with a band of that tribe, finally appearing 
(1692) in Maryland — see Hanna, Wilderness Trail, i, 
pp. 1 19-135. Later, these people settled on the Susquehanna, 
where Chartier died in 1718. His only son Peter had great 
influence with the Shawnee and removed with them to the 
Ohio, where his village was known as Chartier's Town. Be- 
ing induced to embrace the French interest he persuaded his 
band to remove (1745) down the Ohio, after which his his- 
tory is not known. Two localities in western Pennsylvania 
preserve his name — Chartier's Run and Station in Westmore- 
land County, and Chartier's Creek. The latter is noted for 
the quality of its land. It was included in an Indian grant 
of 1749 to George Croghan, and he sold a number of loca- 
tions thereon. Probably Hand's tract belonged to this 
number. — Ed. 



VOLUNTEERS WANTED 201 

spects to M''. Shippen's &c^. Farewell D^ Yeates 

Affectionately y'■^ ^ , ^^ 

Edw^. Hand 
M'^.Kee is Order'd down'^ 
To Jasper Yeates Esqi-. Lancaster pr. Col : Steel 



HAND'S EXPEDITION INTO THE INDIAN 
COUNTRY 

[General Hand to Col. William Crawford. 3NN95— 
Transcript.] 
YoHiOGANiA Cox'y, sth Feb. 1778. 

D^ Sir — As I am credibly informed that the English 
have lodged a quantity of arms, ammunition, provision 
& clothing at a small Indian town about 100 miles 
from Fort Pitt, to support the savages in their excur- 
sions against the inhabitants of this and the adjacent 
counties, I ardently wish to collect as many brave 
active lads as are willing to turn out, to destroy this 
magazine. Every man must be provided with a horse, 
& every article necessary to equip them for the expe- 
dition, except amunition, which, with some arms, I can 
furnish. 

It may not be unnecessary to assure them, that 
everything they are able to bring away shall be sold at 
jjuulic vendue for the sole benefit of the captors, & the 
money equally distributed, tho' I am certain that a 
sense of the service they will render to their country 



'''4 The expression "down the country" was used as an 
equivalent for return to the East. February 7, 1778, General 
Hand wrote to Alexander McKee : "Sir — I am sorry to be 
under the necessity of repeating my desire of the 29th Dec. 
last, viz. that you may immediately repair to Yorktown, in 
Penn., on your parole, there to receive the further directions 
of the Hon. Continental Board of War." See C. W. Butter- 
field, History of the Girtys (Cincinnati, 1800), p. 40. — Ed. 



202 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

will operate more strongly than the expectation of 
gain. I therefore expect you will use your influence 
on this occasion, & bring all the volunteers you can 
raise to Fort Pitt by the 15"' of this month. I am, dear 
Sir, Yr. obed*^ huble Serv^ 

Edw^ Hand. 
Col. Wm Crawford. 

N. B. The horses shall be appraised, & paid for if 

lost. 



SUPPLIES FOR WESTERN EXPEDITIONS 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Gen. Horatio Gates. 3NN98 — 
Transcript.] 

Fort Pitt, 12th Feby 1778. 

Sir — I do myself the honor to enclose you the Copy 
of a letter I yesterday rec^ from his Exc^ Gov^' Henry. 
I can't doubt but Congress will direct an immediate 
compliance with the demands he makes, & would not 
myself hesitate to grant them, yet as time will admit 
of consulting your Honb'^ Board, I think it my duty 
so to do. I request your instructions how to act by 
return of the express. 

On the 17^^ ult*' I wrote to the Honb^^ the Commer- 
cial Committee Enclosing a demand made on me by 
Capt. James Willing of the armed boat Rattle Trap, & 
Col. George Morgan's Estimate for provisions to be 
sent to the Arkansas. 

It will be very necessary that their determination be 
immediately communicated, as the protection Major 
Clark's party can afford the provision boats as far as 
the Cherokee fort, which is within 40 miles of the 



LEAD FOR CLARK 203 

mouth of the Ohio,'^ will save an expense of men, (a 
Matter of Consequence in this quarter.) 

It is to be lamented that Gov^ Henry had not recol- 
lected that the three tons of lead ordered from Vir- 
ginia by Congress in April last, never reached this 
place, which leaves it in a deplorable Situation, & such 
as deserves your early attention. The whole stock 
now in store amounts to no more than 508 ^^^ — vide 
last return ; but hope to draw from the out-posts what 
will serve Major Clark. The intent of the expedition 
is to seize upon the British post & stores at Kaskas- 
quias in the Illinois Country, of which it is likely you 
are apprized. I wish you every happiness, & am. Sir, 
Very respectfully Y'" obed*^ hble Serv^ 

Edw^ Hand. 

P. S. An officer & private were killed within 300 
yards of Fort Randolph since I left it. 
To the Honb'e Maj. Gen. Gates, Presid* of Board of War. 



OATHS OF ALLEGIANCE 

[Capt. Thomas Burk to Col. William Preston. 4QQ158— 
A. L. S.] 

Dear S"" — I have Call'^ the men to Gather A gree- 
able to your orders and am sorry that I Cannot Sat- 
tisfy my own Concience so far as to Cumply and take 



'5 The Cherokee fort was that known to the French as 
Fort Massiac (Massac), built by them in 1757 to check the 
incursions of Cherokee Indians. It was garrisoned through- 
out the French regime. British engineers recommended it 
as an important site, but it was allowed to fall into ruins. 
At this site began Clark's overland march to Kaskaskia. In 
1794 the United States rebuilt the post, which was garrisoned 
until after 1812. The site has recently been purchased for a 
state park, to be under the direction of the Historical Society 
of Illinois. — Ed. 



204 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Oath prescribed by law and I Render^ my Reason to 
you When we held a Coversation at your own house 
& Neighther Do I through stubburnness Refuse But 
Ever look^ Upon it my Duty When I took an oath on 
any occation their should be Noo doubt of Concience 
I Never flew in the face of authority Neither shall I, 
and stand not In Defyence of Goverment But Know 
Very wel that I must be under the law of men and am 
not against any thing in Reason and stand in reason- 
able fear of My fellow man But must think that I 
have A god to fear as he is the Creator of us all and 
says the Rather fear him who is able to Destroy both 
soul and body in hell I think it Requisit at all times 
to take sum thought of an Eternal state as well as all 
for temporal I do not hint on any man that has takun 
it But only in vindication of my own Concience as I 
think the apostle Paul says What shall it profit a man 
if he gain the whole World and loos his own soul. I 
Declare my selfe a rail friend to my Country Nither 
have I Ever don any thing Against it and as to the 
Resolveing any thing of rebeling against the Country 
I Never thought of any such thing Neighther have I 
Ever heard Mankind in my own Cumpany or any 
other person What Ever speake or Motion the like, it 
is not in my thought to teach any thing Concerning 
scripture But Know you able to Be my Guide and am 
With grate Respect your Most obedient Humble 
servant 

Tho^ Burk 

And I hear in Close the Commition Deliverd to me 
and Must Resine 

febry igth 1778. 



PROTECTING THE FRONTIERS 205 

DEFENSE OF VIRGINIA 

[Gov. Patrick Henry to Col. William Fleming. i^TJLi'] — 
A. L. S.] 

Williamsburg, Feby 19*^ 1778. 

Sir — The Murder of the Shawanese Indians will no 
doubt bring on Hostilities with that People. In order 
to ward off the Stroke which may be expected it is 
necessary to have every Gun in your County put into 
good order & got ready for Action. Lead may be had 
from the Mines. An order for one pound for each 
Man of your Militia accompany's this. Powder it is 
said is plenty among you. If it cant be had otherwise 
send to Richmond for it. Let trusty Scouts be kept 
in constant Action towards the Enemys Country to 
discover their Movements & give Information of ap- 
proaching Danger. Proper Stockades or Defences to 
receive the more helpless part of the People should be 
provided in time and fixed at Places judiciously 
chosen, that the able Men may be at liberty to assail 
the Enemy & range the Frontiers as occasion may re- 
quire. These Stockades should be provided at the 
Expence of your People & are not meant to be garri- 
soned only as particular Exigencies may make neces- 
sary. I think no Neighbourhood ought to be without 
one where the Enemy can possibly penetrate. In case 
of Attack you are to draw out such Force from the 
Militia as you judge sufficient to chastise the Invaders. 
Let the pursuit of Scalping Parties, be close, hot and 
determined, for if Vengeance is taken on the foremost 
Partys, others will be intimidated. I wish to rein- 
force Capt. Arbuckles Garrison with a Company of 
fifty Men officered in the usual manner from your 



206 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

County and that they should march thither without 
delay. Volunteers enlisted for this Business to serve 
six Months in it, I would prefer, but if they are not 
to be got without loss of Time let the Militia be 
drafted. For I expect the Indians very shortly on the 
Frontiers. I beg the favour of you to confer with 
Col. Preston on the propriety of establishing a Post 
to preserve the Communication with Fort Randolph, 
perhaps some Place near the mouth of Elk River 
might answer this purpose and also check the Inroads 
of the Savages if the Garrison was alert and diligent 
to intercept their Parties. 

I am at a loss for Officers in Green Bryar and wish 
for a recommendation from your County Court of 
such as are proper ; That Place will be attacked tis 
likely and if no other Expedient can be found I must 
fill up the Commisisons in Council, where the Individ- 
uals cannot be known. Rockbridge is in the same situ- 
ation. Will you please to assist with such Informa- 
tion as you can give in finding fit Persons for Officers. 
I wash the Lead to be carefully preserved for the pur- 
pose of Defence & not given to the men but as Occa- 
sions call for it, except in exposed Places, where the 
People must be trusted with it. 1 think the Garrison 
proposed near Elk need not consist of more than sixty 
Men, but I submit it to you and Col. Preston to do for 
the best being on the Spot. 

You will perceive my Views go no further than de- 
fensive Operations. I know how impossible it is to 
render them completely effectual against the Enemies 
you have to oppose. But offensive Measures set on 
foot against these Indians at this time after their late 



PROTECTING THE FRONTIERS 207 

Treatment, would be too full of Injustice to escape 
general Execration. Policy & even Self preservation 
may ere long call for such Measures. But even then 
it may be doubted if provisions purchased in your 
parts would answer the Design. 

Having now done every thing which 1 can foresee 
to be necessary for protecting the Frontiers, I must tell 
you Sir that I really blush for the occasion of this War 
with the Shawanese. I doubt not but you detest the 
vile assassins who have brought it on us at this critical 
Time when our whole Force was wanted in another 
Quarter. But why are they not brought to Justice? 
Shall this Precedent establish the Right of involving 
Virginia in War whenever any one in the back Coun- 
try shall please? I need not argue to shew you Sir the 
fatal tendency of such Conduct. You see it & 1 fear 
your County will feel indiscriminately that Misery 
which ought to visit only the guilty Authors of the 
Mischief. Some say the People of your Country will 
not suffer the Apprehension of the Murderers. 1 de- 
sire it may be remembered, that if the frontier people 
will not submit to the Laws, but thus set them at Defi- 
ance, they will not be considered as entitled to the pro- 
tection of Government, and were it not for the miser- 
able Condition of many with you, T should demand the 
Offenders previous to every other Step. For where is 
this wretched Business to end? The Cherokees, the 
Delawares and every other Tribe may be set on us in 
this manner this Spring for what I know. Is not this 
the work of Tories? No Man but an Enemy to 
American Independance will do it, and thus oblige 
our People to be hunting after Indians in the Woods, 



208 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

instead of facing Gen^ Howe in the field, search into 
the Matter and depend upon it the Murderers are Tor- 
ies, the Honor of your Country is at stake and it is 
time to decide whether these Villains are to meet with 
punishment or whether the greater Number will 
espouse their Interests. I desire you to the utmost, 
at all hazards & to the last Extremity to support and 
assist the civil Magistrate in apprehending and bring- 
ing these offenders to Justice. 

If the Shawenese deserved Death, because their 
Countrymen committed Hostilities, a Jury from the 
Vicinage will say so and acquit the accused who must 
be judged by his Neighbours feeling the same Resent- 
ments and Passions with themselves. But they are 
Traytors I suspect and Agents for the Enemy, who 
have taken this method to find employment for the 
brave back Woodsmen at home, and prevent their 
joining Gen^ Washington to strike a decisive stroke 
for Independency at this critical time. 

Urge these things Sir with that Spirit and Warmth 
the Subject demands, prepare your People for their 
own Defence against the Indians to vindicate their 
Honor from the rude attack now made on it, and let 
them be shewn to the World as possessing the other 
virtues which usually accompany Courage. 

In the Confidence that what I now press, I mean the 
bringing the Murderers of the Indians to Justice, will 
be done. Government will loose no Time in lending its 
best Aids to protect your Country. I fear something 
essential for the frontier Defence, may have escaped 
me. But your part must be in concert with your 
Neighbours to point out what yet remains to be done 



PROTECTING THE FRONTIERS 209 

for your safety. If a Reinforcement of fifty Men 
more is necessary at Fort Randolph they will be sent 
on your and Col. Preston's writing to me. 

I have it much at Heart to bring the Indians to treat 
on the subject of our Difference with them, perhaps 
the Grenadier Sqaw may be usefull in this Business, 
please to confer on this matter with Col. Preston and 
let every possible Effort be made to bring on a Treaty, 
the Expences necessary for the Attempt I will pay on 
Demand. I forbear to mention particulars for begin- 
ning this Work as they must be better judged of on 
the spot, but at all Events try it vigorously. 

Wishing safety to you & your people I am Sir Y'" 

Mo. hbie Serv* 

P. Henry 

Col^ Fleming Botetourt The County Lieutenant of Bote- 
tourt. 



NEWS FROM THE FRONT 

[Col. William Russell to Col. William Fleming. 2U6 — 
A. L. S.] 
Camp Valley Forge March i^ 1778. 
D'" Sir — Having a few moments leasure, and being 
favoured with this opportunity by CoP Gist;^^' I set 



■^6 Col. Nathaniel Gist was the son of Christopher Gist, 
scout and explorer, who accompanied Washington on his 
perilous journey (1753) to Venango, and saved the life of 
the young Virginian envoy. Nathaniel was scout under his 
father in Braddock's campaign, and next year (1756) lieu- 
tenant of the company of scouts in Washington's Virginia 
regiment. By 1762 Nathaniel had the rank of captain. At 
the outbreak of the Revolution he undertook a perilous jour- 
ney to the Cherokee country in order to secure their neu- 
trality. In January, 1777, he was commissioned colonel of 
an additional Continental regiment, raised by order of Con- 
gress, which command was known as Gist's regiment. He 

14 



210 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

down to remind you, that through mercy, I am still in 
existence; and tho' I have not been so happy to hear 
from you either by Letter or otherwise, since I left 
your House; yet, I flatter myselfe, you have not forgot 
your promise of writting to me at convenient times 
such news as your quarter afford. I had to go by Fort 
Pitt when I left you, on my way to head Quarters, 
which obliged me to have the small Pox till the month 
of July, a very hot season, but, I weather'd it with a 
good deal of ease, however my conflict with the mea- 
sles was very severe, of which, I have but lately recov- 
ered, tho' I underwent constant Duty wnthin a few 
Days after it seized me. I make no doubt but you 
have long since been acquainted with the news of the 
summer, and fall, since which, little has transpired. 
We have taken up winter quarters at this place, and. 
having erected a small city of Cabbins for the troops 
to live in, it is likely we shall remain here till summer, 
unless drove from it by M'' How ; which I doubt of, 
as we are at present fortifying round our camp. A 
committee of congress is now setting near us, to regu- 
late our army, and I expect will new model in particu- 



served directly under Washington during 1777, but in the 
spring of 1778 was commissioned to undertake a second jour- 
ney to the Cherokee. In that capacity he left the army, and 
passed through southwestern Virginia. The summer found 
him again- with the army, and the next year he was ordered 
to reinforce Charleston, where Gist was one of the prisoners 
captured in May, 1780. Released upon parole, he returned 
home and resigned January i, 1781. Later in life, after mar- 
riage to Judith Cary Bell of Virginia, Colonel Gist removed 
(1793) to Kentucky, where he died early in the nineteenth 
century, leaving several descendants, some of whom obtained 
prominence in the country's service. An autograph letter 
may be found in Draper MSS., 2L10. — Ed. 



NEWS FROM THE FRONT 211 

lar, the present arrangement of officers. It is reported 
that some Regiments will be diminished, if so, it is 
probable some of us Field officers of the last six 
[Virginia regiments] will be reduced. 

Our lite infantry is to consi[s]t of eighteen Com- 
panies Commanded by Major General Arnold & two 
Brigadiers, of whom Gen^ Scott is to be one; the 
other unknown ; and our officers will hereafter be on a 
more respectable footing. Marquis De Lafayette, 
Gen^ Conway and Gen' M'^Calb [De Kalb] are or- 
dered to Canada, and will command in that quarter the 
next campaign ; their influence will undoubtedly be 
considerable among the Canadians it is said they are 
coming over fast to our interest already. The deten- 
tion of Gen' Burgoin and army, I expect gives great 
satisfaction to the People of Virginia. We have just 
heard that the news of his defeat occasion'd great com- 
motions in England. The Parliament was sitting at 
the time, and, when the accounts reached the House; 
CoP Barre asked leave to speak on the occasion ; he 
was ordered to silence, but a great majority crying out 
leave leave, he was permitted together with M^ Burke ; 
they spoke in a most copious manner, it is said much 
to the satisfaction of great part of the House : we 
daily expect the ace*'' in Print: if it comes shortly I 
will send it to you. Gen' Muhlenburg^^ being gone 



■''^ Gen. John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, the famous "fight- 
ing parson", was born in Pennsylvania in 1746, the son of the 
founder of the Lutheran church in America. Peter was sent 
for education to Germany, where he had a brief military ex- 
per-'ence. Returning home he took orders, and settled (1772) 
as the pastor of Woodstock, Va., where he at once engaged 
in the Revolutionary movement, serving on the committees 



212 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Home, the command of the Brigade devolved on me 
till his return, which gives me great trouble, and have 
had ever since his absence, in discharging the soldiers 
who's times have expired, which happens almost every 
Day more or less. There is strong reasons to believe, 
that my Regiment will be ordered to Fort Pitt very 
soon, If so, and I continue to Command it; I shall try 
to get leave of absance to visit my family and friends 
before I go there, but if I should be continued here, I 
am doubtful whether I can be spared : but his Excel- 
lency General Washington has assured me he will in- 
dulge me if possible. I should be exceeding happy to 
spend an evening or two with you, I have much more 
to communicate to you than I wood chuse to do by 
Letter, for seldom any passes now without being 
opened, and too commonly lost altogether. No doubt 



of correspondence and safety, in the state convention, and as 
a trusted counsellor of Henry and Washington. In 1776 he 
was commissioned colonel of the 8th Virginia, and stepping 
from the pulpit to the door of his church, he enrolled among 
his parishioners his famous German regiment. Muhlenberg's 
first operations were in Virginia, but in 1777 he joined the 
main army after being commissioned (February 21) briga- 
dier-general. Here he was one of Washington's most trusted 
generals, partaking in all the battles and campaigns of 1777-78. 
The short furlough mentioned by Russell was almost his only 
visit to his Woodstock home during the first three years of 
the war. In 1779-83 he served in Virginia, receiving the rank 
of major-general (September, 1783). At the close of the war 
he made a journey to the West to locate his own and other 
officers' lands, intending to make his home in Kentucky. But 
events decided his return to Pennsylvania, where he there- 
after chiefly made his home. He was one of the supreme 
executive council of Pennsylvania, member of the first Con- 
gress under the constitution, and U. S. senator ; he was then 
collector of the port of Philadelphia (1801) until his death 
in 1807. — Ed. 



II 



NEWS FROM THE FRONT 213 

but you have long since heard of General Stephen^ ^ 
loseing his Post in the Army, your old acquaintances 
Woodford, Scott, and Weedon^^ still continue, the lat- 
ter gone Home on Furloe. Discontents have much 
prevailed among the officers, but, I hope the present 
regulations will give general satisfaction : the officers 
wait with great impatience to know them. I have long 



^8 For this officer, see Diinmore's War, p. 191, note 35. — Ed. 

^9 William Woodford was the son of a militia officer in 
Caroline County, where he was born Oct. 6, 1734. He was 
first-lieutenant and then captain in the Virginia regiment 
during the French and Indian War, and he married a near 
relative of Washington. On the arming for the Revolution, 
Woodford was chosen colonel of the 2nd Virginia regiment, 
took command against Lord Dunmore, and won the engage- 
ment at Great Bridge (Dec. 9, 1775). Having resigned his 
rank upon entering the Continental establishment, he was, 
until made brigadier-general in 1777, placed below those 
whom he had previously ranked. His resignation was only 
avoided through the personal solicitation of the commander- 
in-chief, who had a marked regard for his abilities. At the 
battle of Brandywine he was wounded, but continued with 
the main army until (1779) he was detached to the relief of 
Charleston. There he was captured, taken to New York, and 
died while still a prisoner, Nov. 13, 1780. 

Gen. Charles Scott was born in Cumberland County, Va. 
At the age of seventeen he was enlisted in the Virginia regi- 
ment and was at Braddock's defeat. He was appointed first 
sergeant, then ensign of the regiment. On the outbreak of 
the Revolution. Scott was recommended by Washington for a 
commission, and made lieutenant-colonel of the 5th Virginia. 
He served with the main arm}^ commanding a brigade at 
Brandywine and being with Wayne at the capture of Stony 
Point. He was in Charleston at the time of its surrender, 
and did not thereafter take active part in the army. In 1787 
Scott removed with his family to Kentucky, where he settled 
in Woodford County, near Versailles, and there his son 
Samuel was killed in 1789 by lurking Indians. In 1791 Scott 
headed a successful expedition against the Wea Indians on 
the Wabash, when the old Ouiatanon settlement was totally 
destroyed. One of his sons was out with Wayne in 1794. 
General Scott was very popular with his neighbors, and in 
1808 he was chosen governor of Kentucky, in which office he 



A^° 



214 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

wished to hear the news from your Quarter, but not 
one old acquaintance will favour me therewith ; any- 
thing from that Quarter wood be most agreeable. I am 
sorry to hear my old acquaintance Cornstalk is killed, 
am much afraid that will set on the Shawanees to 
War against our frontier in conjunction with the other 
northen tribes ; which will greatly distress our People. 
I understand an expedition is intended against 
Detroyat from Fort Pitt, it is likely I shall be ordered 
on that service with my Regiment : I hope the Militia 
will be forward shou'd they be calld upon for that 
purpose ; the reduction of that Post will secure our 
Frontier. 

Tho' I have been frequently hindered, while writting 
this, by giving discharges to soldiers, yet I have per- 
severed, till I fear it may tire your patience, but rely- 
ing on your goodness to accept of what the Camp at 
present affords, shall after tendering my best compli- 
ments to your Lady, and all enquireing Friends, sub- 
scribe myself e D"" Si'", Yours most affectionately. 

Wm. Russell 

To Col® William Fleming. Botetourt County, Virginia. 
Favd by Col" Gist. 



served for four years. He died at his home in October, 1813. 
Gen. George Weedon was born in Fredericksburg, Va., 
about"'i830. A neighbor and friend of Gen. Hugh Mercer, 
he was (1758) an officer in the Virginia regiment. After the 
war he became an innkeeper at his native place, and was an 
active and zealous Whig. In 1776, Weedon was commissioned 
lieutenant-colonel of the 3d Virginia, being transferred in 
August of the same year to the ist. In February, 1777, he 
was appointed brigadier-general, and commanded a brigade 
at Brandy wine and Germantown. In 1780 he was assigned 
to duty in Virginia, and took part in the siege of Yorktown. 
At the close of the war he was breveted major-general. In 
1774 General Weedon married Catherine Gordon of Freder- 



THE SQUAW CAMPAIGN 215 

ACCOUNT OF HAND'S EXPEDITION 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Jasper Ewing. MS. in New York 
Public Library; Hand Papers — A. L. S.] 

Fort Pitt 7th March 1778 

Dear Yeates — I omitted writing to you by the last 
Opertunity Because I had nothing material then to 
Communicate, & Expected by this to have Mighty 
feats to declare, having rec^. intelligence that a Quan- 
tity of Stores were lodged at Cayahaga, I formed a 
Project of Seizing them by Surprise, during the Sea- 
son in which the Savages might Suppose us to be in- 
active. A party nearly Amounting to 500 Chiefly 
Westmoreland Militia Ofiferd themselves for this Ser- 
vice, but unluckily the heavy Rains that fell soon after 
we set Out, together with the Melting of the snow 
raised the Waters to such a degree, that after Swiming 
Some Creek's & going round the heads of others we 
were obliged to relinquish our Design, about 40 miles 
up Beaver Creek we discoverd Indian Tracts & Sent 
out reconnoitring Parties some of them returnd & 
Informd they had found a Camp Containing between 
50 & 60 Indians, I conjectured they were Warriors 
coming into Our Settlements & proceeded to Attack 
them But to my great Mortification found only one 
Man with some Women & Children, the Men were 
so Impetuous that I could not prevent their Killing 
the Man & one of the Women, another Woman was 
taken & with difiiculty Saved, the rem^. escaped. 

The prisoner told us that ten Miles higher, Ten 
Money [Munsey] men were Making salt. I detachd 



icksburg. and his name appears in the Spottsylvania records 
until after 1793, about which time he seems to have died. — Ed. 



216 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

a party to Secure them, they turn'd out to be 4 
Women & a Boy, of these one Woman only was Saved. 
Notwithstanding this Savage Conduct I verily believe 
the Party would Behave well if they had men to con- 
tend with. You will be Surprised in performing the 
Above great exploits I had but one man (a Capt".) 
W^ounded, & one Dround'd. 

I cant yet give you the Information you desire of 
your Indian Brother but will inform myself if I can. 

The Virginia Commissioners have not Arived here 
nor can I learn Any thing of them. I beg my Love 
to all Your Family. My respects to M^ Shippens &c^. 
& am Dear Yeates your Affectionate Kinsman 

Edw^: Hand 
To Jasper Yeates Esq'". Lancaster 



[Recollections of Samuel Murphy, 3S28-32.] 
General Hand's expedition. This was in the winter 
1777-78 with a slight fall of fresh snow. About 400 
men [went out]. Col. Providence Mounts, of Mounts 
Creek, ^^ which empties in Youghiogheny, was out. 
Col. William Crawford, Major Brenton, Capt. John 



80 Providence Mounts was a Marylander by birth, and is 
said to have been with Washington at Fort Necessity. In 
T768 he removed to the Youghiogheny, in what is now Con- 
nellsville township of Fayette County, where he erected a 
mill on a creek which there emptied into the river. During 
the Revolution he was colonel of the 2nd battalion of West- 
moreland militia, and in addition to this expedition served in 
the pursuit of the savage enemy after the sack of Hannas- 
town (1782). He died at his home in 1784, and after his de- 
cease his land was patented to his descendants. — Ed. 



THE SQUAW CAMPAIGN 217 

Stephenson, Captain Scott,^^ etc. William Brady, a 
blacksmith of Pittsburgh, was chosen pilot.^- Simon 
Girty was out, and wanted the appointment. 

On the way out, Major Brenton lost his horse, and 
he got Simon Girty to remain with him, they found 
the horse, and rejoined the army just at the close of 
the fight, or rather firing, on the Indian town, in the 
forks of Neshaneck and Shenango and on the eastern 
bank of the latter.^'' Orders had been given as they 



81 Capt. David Scott was born on the South Branch of 
Potomac River, but in 1770 he moved to the Monongahela, 
near the site of the present Granville — a town founded by his 
son Felix Scott — Monongalia County, West Va. Captain Scott 
built one or more mills in the vicinity, and was a prominent 
resident. In 1779 Indians murdered his daughters Fanny and 
Phebe as they were taking dinner to men in the hayfield. 
Later, a son named James barely escaped capture. An old 
house said to have been built by Captain Scott in 1776, was 
lately standing on the farm of the Gapen family, who de- 
scended from Captain Scott's youngest daughter. — Ed. 

^- Nothing more appears in reference to this guide. Ac- 
cording to Samuel Murphy's recollections, he was not of the 
family of Samuel Brady. — Ed. 

^3 The first of these two streams is usually written Neshan- 
nock. The village raided must have been on the site of the 
present town of Newcastle, Mercer County, Pa. This was 
probably part of the Kuskuskies towns (see ante, note 45), 
which originally were built by the Iroquois. These villages 
seem to have still been their abode when Washington visited 
the West in 1753. The latter did not enter Kuskuskies, but 
passed near it on his route from Logstown to Venango. After 
the opening of the French and Indian War, the Iroquois 
abandoned this region, which was then given over to the 
Delawares, who had important settlements on Beaver Creek 
and its branches. There the Moravian envoy Frederick 
Christian Post visited them in the summer of 1758. He de- 
scribes Kuskuskies as composed of four towns, some distance 
apart, and says that at one of them the French had built 
houses for the Delawares ; probably it was on the site of 
Newcastle. In the period between the English capture of 
Fort Duquesne (1758), and Pontiac's War (1763), the Dela- 



218 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

approached the town to surround it, but Colonel 
Mounts did not fully accomplish his part, and left a 
gap, and Pipe's wife and children got off, a little fall 
of snow on the ground. This Pipe was a brother 
of Captain Pipe. The mother of the Pipes, an old 
squaw was pursued and shot at repeatedly, w^hen 
Thomas Ravenscroft^* ran up to the old squaw and 
tried to pull her away, but the bullets still flying, and 
had a ball through his legging; when a Major came up 
and put a stop to firing, when it was ascertained that 
the only injury she had received was the loss of an end 
of a little finger. An old squaw was shot by Lieut. 
[John] Hamilton^^ and w^ounded in the leg. mistaking 



ware tribesmen withdrew in large measure to the Tuscarawas 
and Muskingum. The village raided by Hand's warriors 
would appear to have been at this time (1778) inconsiderable, 
with few vestiges of its former importance. — Ed. 

s^ Thomas Ravenscroft was born about 1750, and brought 
up in the family of Col. William Crawford. His first military 
service was in Dunmore's army in 1774; the next year (1775) 
he enlisted in Capt. John Stephenson's company, and later 
joined the 13th Virginia under Colonel Russell. Discharged 
at the close of 1777 or early in 1778, he was out with Hand 
on this expedition, and in 1781 enlisted under Clark for ser- 
vice in an expedition to Detroit, with a commission as lieuten- 
ant. Clark's expedition having been abandoned, Ravenscroft 
was employed in guarding the frontier. When out with Col. 
John Floyd in September, 1781, he was captured and taken 
prisoner to Detroit — see original letter of Floyd, relating this 
event, in Draper MSS., 51J89. From Detroit he was sent 
down to Montreal and there (June 20, 1782) made his escape, 
but was shortly recaptured — see Canadian Archives, 1887, 
p. 307. At the close of the Revolution, Ravenscroft was ex- 
changed and returned to Kentucky, where he married either 
the widow or daughter of Col. John Hinkston. He was living 
in Harrison County, Ky., as late as 1823. — Ed. 

^^ Lieut. John Hamilton lived in what is now Washington 
County, Pa. In the autumn of 1775 he enlisted in the 13th 
Virginia and served in the Eastern army, being at the battles 



THE SQUAW CAMPAIGN 219 

her for a warrior; and a soldier ran up and toma- 
hawked her, and a second ran up and shot her. Pipe 
shot and wounded Captain Scott and disabled his arm, 
and when nearly ready to shoot again, some one shot 
Pipe, and Reasin Virgin passing sunk the tomahawk 
in his head. Then commenced a wild yelling and 
shooting, without giving the least heed to the officers. 
A few cabins only were there, a little plunder ob- 
tained. This was about midday in February or March. 
That afternoon a party started off for a small Indian 
settlement several miles up the Mahoning at a place 
called the Salt Licks. ^^ Simon Girty went as pilot. 
They did not reach the place until in the night, found 
the warriors all absent hunting, found a few squaws 
there, and took [one] prisoner and brought her of¥, 
the others were left. A small Indian boy out with a 
gun shooting birds was discovered and killed, and sev- 
eral claimed the honor : and it was left to Girtv to de- 



at head of Elk River, at Brandywine, and Germantown. He 
would seem to have been ordered to Fort Pitt late in 1777, 
and to have served in the West until his discharge on 
Nov. 23, 1778. Ten years later he moved to Ohio with Stites 
and Synimes, who were settling the Miami country. Hamilton 
was employed as an Indian trader, and died in Ohio in 1822. 
For much of this information, our thanks are due to Mr. John 
S. Hunt of Chicago. — Ed. 

^^ For the location of Salt Lick Town, see ante, p. 178, 
note 45. The town at this site was, according to the testimony 
of John McCullough, a captive living at the place, built in 
1755. During the French and Indian and Pontiac's wars it 
was a place of much importance, and several prisoners were 
brought there to be delivered to General Bouquet (1764). 
After that, however, the town declined, but the lick was fre- 
quented for salt-making until 1804, when a final skirmish 
occurred between the aborigines and the intruding white set- 
tlers. — Ed. 



220 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

cide, and his decision was that one Zach. ConnelP'^ 
killed the lad. 

At the first town, the mother of Pipe was left in the 
town. An old Dutchman scalped the squaw that had 
been killed, and put the scalp in his wallet with his 
provisions, and in swimming a stream on return the 
Dutchman lost off his wallet, and exclaimed patheti- 
cally "O, I loss my prosock and my sculp." This was 
long a byword with the troops. 

This campaign of Hand's was better known as the 
Squaw campaign. ^^ Hand was greatly displeased, and 
doubtless it contributed greatly towards his leaving 
the frontiers and rejoining the main army. 






^" Zachariah Connell, founder of the Pennsylvania town 
named Connellsville in his honor, was a native of Virginia 
(1741) and settled upon this site about 1770. With him came 
his brother James, who married Anne, daughter of Col. 
William Crawford. In 1776 Zachariah was appointed captain 
of militia for Yohogania County, and one of the justices for 
the same. He was very regular in attendance at county court, 
as the records show. Connell was a surveyor and laid out a 
large landed estate for himself ; he acted also as business 
agent for prominent Eastern investors in Western lands. In 
1793 he chartered the town bearing his name; and in 1800 
built the first bridge over the river at this place. He died at 
his home in the village Aug. 26, 1813. At the time of his 
death he was building a large stone house, which still stands 
in the borough of Connellsville. — Ed. 

^8 The British report of this misadventure is given in Mich. 
Piou. & Hist. Colls., ix. p. 436: "A party from Fort Pitt had 
fallen on a Delaware Village and killed or carried oflf eight 
persons, but unfortunately for the Rebels they have struck in 
the wrong place and have sent back two squaws who were 
prisoners to atone for their error." — Ed. 



THE SQUAW CAMPAIGN 221 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Col. David Shepherd. 3NNioc>— 
Transcript.] 

Fort Pitt, 7th March, 1778. 
D'' Sir — I am just returned from a short excursion 
into the Indian Country, in which I was prevented of 
completing my views by the badness of the weather & 
height of the waters. Except a few gentlemen from 
about Stewart's Crossings,^^ & Some who accidentally 
happened here from the different parts of the Virginia 



89 Stewart's Crossings is one of the historic spots of Fay- 
ette County, Pa. In 1753 William Stewart located there, 
about the same time that Christopher Gist built his cabin at 
Mount Braddock. Stewart chose a ford on the Youghiogheny 
where the old Catawba Indian trail from the Iroquois country 
crossed that river. Erecting his cabin on the southwest bank 
of the stream, he lived on the site of the present village of 
New Haven. That autumn Maj. George Washington crossed 
at this place, bearing the famous message from Governor 
Dinwiddie of Virginia to the French officers on the upper 
Allegheny. The next year Washington, with his Virginia 
soldiers, did not advance as far as Stewart's Crossings ; but 
his French opponent Sieur de Jumonville, must have crossed 
at this spot when endeavoring to gain information of the 
English situation. After the surrender of Fort Necessity 
(July 4, 1754), Coulon de Villiers, the victor, retired to Gist's 
place and ordered all the cabins of English settlers to be 
burned. W^illiam Stewart's home shared the common fate, 
and he retreated to the Eastern settlements, leaving his name 
attached to the crossing of the Youghiogheny. Braddock's 
Road led over this crossing; but that general himself forded 
the stream (1755) a mile or two below. In 1765 Col. William 
Crawford took possession of the place. Thither, the next 
year, he brought his family and established his permanent 
home. It is to his services that Hand here refers. On his 
death his son John fell heir to the Stewart Crossings estate, 
which in 1786 he sold to Edward Cook. The latter sold to 
Col. Isaac Meason, whose son built a store and in 1796 laid out 
the town of New Haven. The site of Stewart's Crossings is 
now a busy one, leading to the populous city of Connellsville 
on the northeast bank of the stream. William Stewart was 
living in 1786, and testified to his early occupation of this 
site. — Ed. 



222 FROXTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

frontiers, the party Consisted of volunteers from 
Westmoreland County. Many of the Virginia gentle- 
men seem to desire an opportunity of distinguishing 
themselves on a Similar occasion, which would in my 
opinion, render much service to the Country & should 
meet my hearty concurrence. I therefore request that 
you may request that you may endeavor to promote so 
laudable an Enterprise. I think that 200 men, each 
provided with a good horse & two bushels of grain, 
might in 8 or 10 days from this place make a consider- 
able blow. If the scheme be carried into execution, the 
men should be punctual in rendezvousing here on the 
1st of Next month. I think so short a trip would not 
interfere with my intention of drawing what assist- 
ance I can from the frontier counties & penetrating 
the enemies country in May with a design of taking a 
larger circuit; & beg to know your sentiments on the 
subject, & what men I may expect from your county 
on either occasion. Any grain furnished will be paid 
for, & also, the horses by appraisement if lost. 

Edw^ Hand 

To Col. David Shepherd. 



[Col. David Shepherd to General Hand. 2U7— A. L. S.] 
Fort Henry March the 10^11 1778. 

Dear Sir — T Received your favour By John Green 
which Informed me of your Safe arrival to fort Pitt, 
I am glad to hear that our Neighbours is Spirited 
anough to turn out on the Like occation and for my 
part I hartily Concur with you in the Scheme per- 
possed and all the people I have Spoke with Concern- 
ing it Join in Sentiments in favour of the Scheme. I 
cannot as yet give you an Exact account what Number 



Corj)Ni-:L ATosKs Shf.phkrd 
From IVest Virginia Historical Magazine, iii, p. 192 



THE SQUAW CAMPAIGN 223 

of men I can Furnish you with, But I have summoned 
all the Capts in the County to meet on Friday next in 
order to send men to the Stations and other purposes 
when I Expect to give you a better account. But at 
this time I Expect to furnish you with 30 Men if Pos- 
sible against the Day appointed. I have sent By Leu^ 
Berry 53 Rifles and 8 Muskets Likewise 915'^ of lead 
and there Remains in Store 390 ^^. The State of the 
Store I shall attend to and Do Every thing in my 
Power to Secure the Provisions as soon as I can collect 
some men. Our Brave Beefeaters time is out and they 
are all Returning home to tell of the great Exploits 
they have Done on the Ohio, But I hope they will send 
us Better Men the Next time. As for News I have 
None but the people are well pleased with our last 
trip. Sir I am with Respect your Humble Servant 

David Shepherd 
Pray Excuse this Scrall. 

To Brig!" General Edward Hand Fort Pitt. 
Favour of Lent Berry. 



DEFENSE OF VIRGINIA FRONTIER 

[Col. William Preston and Col. William Fleming to Gov. 
Patrick Henry. 4QQ163— A. L. S.J^o 

Botetourt. March 14, 1778. 
Sir — We had an Opportunity this day at General 
Lewis' of considering the different Matters recom- 
mended to us in Your Excellency's Letter of the ig^^ 
of Feby last, and was assisted with that Gentleman's 
Opinion. We think it will be necessary that a Post of 



90 The first part of this letter is in the handwriting of 
Colonel Fleming; the latter part, in that of Colonel Preston. 
Both signatures are autograph. — Ed. 



224 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Communication with F. Randolph be fixed at Kellys 
abt 22 Miles above the Mouth of Elk, as a place 
proper for Checking the Inroads of the Indians as well 
as inspiring the frontier Settlers with Confidence and 
affording them protection without which we are 
affraid the Inhabitants will abandon that Settlement 
And to answer the above Purposes we are of opinion 
this Garrison ought to consist of lOO Men, fifty from 
G. Brier & 50 from Botetourt. We oiTer it as our 
Opinion that the 50 men ordered to reinforce the Gari- 
son at F. Randolph may with safety be drawn from 
Rockbridge as it is an interior County not so imme- 
diately subjected to the Incursions of the Enemy. 

And on considering the dangerous Situation of 
Montgomery County, which has a Frontier of up- 
wards of eighty Miles, greatly exposed to the Enemy 
& but thinly inhabited, We Judge 50 men cannot be 
spared as a Reinforcement to the Garison at Fort 
Randolph, but that two or three Companies be imme- 
diately sent to such places, as will best secure the In- 
habitants from the Enemy and Encourage them to 
continue which they are now ready to abandon. For 
the support of the men in provision at the Post of 
Communication as well as on the Frontiers of Mont- 
gomery County \\> think it will be highly Necessary 
Commisaries should be appointed and furnished with 
sums sufficient for purpose as no provision can be got 
otherwise. We fortunately had an Opp^ of taking 
Capt Arbuckle & Col Skillerns Depositions relative to 
the Murder of the Indians at F. Randolph which we 
transmitted to y'" Excellency by Mr Barnet. As it 
Appears by these Depositions the Agressors live in 



CORNSTALK'S MURDER 225 

Augusta, Rockbridge and Greenbrier Counties, We 
imagine you will send Orders to the Commanding Offi- 
cers of these Counties concerning them. As we think 
it would be necessary to have a printed Copy of y"" 
Proclamation for Apprehending the Guilty & bringing 
them to Justice, that it may be transmitted with any 
Letter we send by the Grenadier Squaw to the Shaw- 
ness Nation, it may tend to Convince them the Mur- 
der is had in abhorences by the Government and give 
an Authenticity to our Letter. We Judge it likewise 
necessary the state should be prepared to treat with the 
Indians, should a Conferrence be brought about by 
this Means which we are doubtful of as the Applica- 
tion is so late. We are y"" Excellencys most ob^ Serv^ 

W"' Preston 
W"^ Fleming 

[Gov. Patrick Henry to Col. William Fleming. 15ZZ21 — 
A. L. S.] 

WmfiURGH March 14th 1778 

Dear Col'' — Yours by Express came to hand yes- 
terday, & I am much obliged by your attention to the 
several matters I mentioned to you. Please to use the 
public Amunition as you see fit, for your Defence. 
Draft the men from your County as divided or undi- 
vided as is most for the public service. 

I am really concerned at the uneasiness you express 
from the Manner I mention'd the Death of the In- 
dians. I know you too well to harbour the most dis- 
tant suspicion that you ever approved what is in itself 
unworthy. Much less any thing glaringly wrong. 
Believe me I meant not the smallest censure, & I hope 

15 



226 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OFIIO 

you will not think T did. I can give no particular 
Orders for Kentucki. 

Please to march y*" Drafts to Alexandria Dumfries 
or George Town in Maryland & agree with a Victual- 
ler whom I will pay on rec'g your certificate. I refer 
to my proclama" on the subject, I am Sir Y'" mo. 
U^^^ Servt 

P. Henry 

Col. W"i Flemine:. 



CLARK'S PREPARATIONS 

[Col. George Rogers Clark to Capt. William Harrod. 18J69 — 
A. L. S.] 

March 15th 1778 
D'' Cap*" — As the time is drawing nigh that we 
should start for Kentucky I think it best that we 
should as soon as possible get our provition Boats at 
Whelin up the Monongehaly in order to take in our 
Flour. I have Instructed the different Recruiting offi- 
cers to send some of their men to whelin for that pur- 
pose and hope that you will get as many of your 
Company to go as you can. Mr. Rich^ Brashear^^ 



^1 Richard Brashears was a lieutenant in Capt. William 
Harrod's company. Having accompanied Clark on his expe- 
ditions to Kaskaskia and Vincennes, he was left at the latter 
place in charge of the garrison from April to August, 1779. 
In the latter month he returned to Kaskaskia, and early in 
1780 was one of the garrison at Fort Jefferson. Returning to 
Kaskaskia, in the autumn of 1780 he married Ann Brocus 
[Brooks], and with her family emigrated to the Natchez 
country, for this purpose resigning from the army. Some 
time before his departure he was promoted to a captaincy, 
since in that capacity he received his share in the Illinois 
grant. In 1785 he was in Louisville temporarily, on business 
concerning his land — see Draper MSS., 1M11T-117. He made 
his home in Mississippi, and died in the southern part of the 



CLARK'S PREPARATIONS 227 

takes charge of the party. I propose that those that 
go on this Com<^ shall be subject to no other duty untill 
they get to Kentucky. 

My D^ S"" you know the necessity of bringing two 
or three boats up. I hope that you will get as many 
as you can to go. I intended to have come by your 
house from Court but our common interest called me 
another way. I am Si"" Your Hbl. Serv^ 

Geo. R. Clark 

N. B. I shall go amediately to Pittsburgh & shant 
Return under eight Days. G R C 

To Capt. Wm Harrod. Ten Mile. Pr M^ Brashears. 



[General Hand to Col. David Shepherd. 3NN105 — 
Transcript.] 

Fort Pitt, 22d March, 1778 
Sir — Please to deliver three of the Continental boats 
at Wheeling to the party of [whom] Col. Clark shall 
send to receive them, and order provision and ammu- 
nition sufficient to bring them to this place. I have 
ordered Lt. Berry to come up at the same time ; be- 
sides the stores before called for, send by him all the 
powder except 200 lbs. to the left at Fort Henry. I am, 
sir, yr. hble. serv^ 

Edw^. Hand 

Col. David Shepherd. 



state in May, 1822, leaving one daughter. The Carneys and 
Nicholls of Mississippi are his descendants. — Ed, 



228 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

MESSAGE TO WHITE EYES 

[Col. George Morgan to Capt. White Eyes. MS. in Carnegie 
Library, Pittsburgh ; George Morgan's Letter Book.] 

Fort Pitt March 20 1778 

Brother Cap^ White Eyes — Agreeable to the let- 
ters I sent you some days ago I flatter'd myself with 
seeing you and some others of your Wisemen here 
very soon but unhappily the Messenger took sick and 
returned to this Place. He is now recovered and I 
send him to you and to call on Cap*^ Pipe in his Way 
with Micheykapeecci the old Delaware Woman who 
was taken at Beaver Creek and also the Young 
Munsey Woman. I hope you will use your Interest 
to bring Cap* Pipe and other Wisemen here that we 
may renew and strengthen our Ancient Friendship. 

Two Wisemen are arrived from Virginia tho not 
the same I mentioned to you as they were detained by 
unavoidable Bussiness.^^ Be strong Brother and let 
us bear down the evil Spirit. I shall now be stronger 
than ever and I desire you be so too. 

George Morgan 

[The Commissioners to Capt. White Eyes. Source, same as 
preceding document.] 
Pittsburgh March [blank in MS.] 1778. 
Captain White Eyes — The Messenger sent by M^• 
Clymer & Colonel Morgan about [blank in MS.] days 



9- Two of the commissioners chosen by Congress (Samuel 
Washington and Gabriel Jones — ante, p. 198, note 70) having 
refused to serve, Sampson Matthews and Samuel McDowell 
were chosen by the governor of Virginia, and accepted by 
Congress — see Jour, of Cong, (new ed.), x, p. 191. For 
Matthews, see Dunmore's JVar, p. 223, note 54; for McDowell, 
Ibid, p. 25, note 41. — Ed. 



MESSAGE TO WHITE EYES 229 

ago falling sick upon the Road was obliged to return 
here, by which Accident you were unhappily prevented 
from hearing sooner of the good disposition of Con- 
gress towards the Delaware Nation, but as he is now 
well again. We who are all the Commissioners ap- 
pointed by Congress send him back to your Nation 
with a confirmation of every thing that is said in the 
former Message. And to give further assurance of 
the good intentions of Congress he takes with him 
[blank in MS.] the Delaware Woman taken by our 
People that she may be restored to her Friends. The 
other Woman taken with her being a Munsey is in our 
possession & is well treated. We shall stay here long 
enough to give an opportunity for you & the other 
wise Men to visit us at Pittsburgh, in consequence of 
the invitation already given, to lay the foundation of a 
Treaty of Peace with your Nation & all other Indians 
who incline to have our Friendship & good Will, but 
as we wish to go home to our Wives and Children who 
are a great way off, we hope you will lose no time in 
coming with the Messenger. We are Your Friends 
& Serv^^ : 

Samp. Mathews 
Geo. Clymer 
Sam' : M<= : Dowell 



230 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

AMERICAN SPY AT DETROIT 

[Daniel Sullivan's deposition. Source, same as preceding 
document.] 

Fort Pitt March 20^^ 1778. 
To Colonel John Cannon^'"^ 

Sir — Agreeable to my Contract with you in behalf 
of the State of Virginia, I proceeded to the Indian 
Country in February 1777 and return'd to this place 
in March when I gave you an Acc*^ : of such intelli- 
gence as I had obtained. I immediately returned to 
the Indian Country in order to attend at all the Coun- 
cils of the Different Nations, to inform myself of their 
dispositions and designs and to obtain the knowledge 
of every other Matter mention'd in my agreement. 

I tarried among the Delawares and at Guyahaga 
untill the 19^^ of April. During my Stay among them 
the Delawares and Munsies appear'd perfectly dis- 
posed for Peace with the United States — they shew'd 
every good Disposition for that purpose. At Guya- 
haga I met with a few Chipwas, Ottawas, Wiandots 
and Mingoes about Twenty in Number. The white 
Mingoe was also there on his Way from Pluggys 
Town to Niagara. I could make no new Discovery 
here of any Consequence. A Message arrived at 
Kuskuskias from the Sennecas to the Delawares desir- 
ing them to sit still and plant their Corn, and inform- 
ing them they should go now and then to visit their 
White Brethern. I could not discover that any of the 
other Nations had determined in Council to carry on 
a War against our Frontiers except the Mingoes of 



93 For a sketch of this officer, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 221, 
note 63. — Ed. 



REPORT OF A SPY 231 

Pluggys Town but I apprehended they did not appear 
to be over friendly. 

At Guyahaga were two Traders with Stores of 
Indian Goods and a Cargo arrived there the i8^^ : of 
April from Detroit, the 19*^ I hired myself agreeable 
to Col. Morgans directions to James Howel to Serve 
as a Batteau Man to go to Detroit with Peltries and to 
bring away other Goods. We were eight days coasting 
it to Detroit. On my arrival I assisted to unload the 
Boat and then was conducted to Governor Hamilton 
in my Indian dress who enquired who I was and my 
Business. I inform'd him that I had been taken pris- 
oner when young by the Delawares, that nine years 
afterward Viz*^ in 1772 or 3. I went to live with my 
Relations in Virginia but the present War coming on 
between Britain and America and having no way but 
by my Gun to maintain myself I had removed back to 
my Delaware Relations and determined to live with 
them untill I could do better. That I had hired with 
a Trader at Guyahaga to assist him with his Peltries 
to Detroit in order to enable me to buy some Powder 
and Lead to hunt. After asking me some Questions 
touching the Strength of Fort Pitt and other Posts on 
the Ohio, the Governor dismiss'd me and told me to go 
where I pleased and he would be me Friend. One 
M^ Tucker^* an Interpreter for Governor Hamilton of 
the Chipwa and Ottawa Tongues took me home to his 
house and treated me very kindly. And his Wife who 
was born in Hampshire County Virginia and had lived 
at my Sisters told me that Governor Hamilton did all 



94 For this interpreter, see Ibid, p. 203, note 44. — Ed. 



232 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

in his Power to induce all Nations of Indians to mas- 
sacre the Frontier Inhabitants of Pennsylvania and 
Virginia and paid very high prices in Goods for the 
Scalps the Indians brought in. That he likewise pays 
for Prisoners but does not redeem them from the 
Savages and says he will not do it untill the Expira- 
tion of the present Warr. I Slept at M"" Tuckers and 
the next day went to walk through the Fort and Town 
and then walk'd round the Common. In this Tour 
Pluggys Son discover'd me and applied to the Gover- 
nor to have me confined on Acco" of my having in the 
Fall of 1776 kill'd his Brother in law near the Ken- 
hawa. John Montour seconded this Information and 
as a Proof referr'd to the wound I received in my left 
Arm at the time.^^ I was therefore sent for by Gov^ 
Hamilton and committed to the Guard, loaded with 
Irons, Hand and Feet and in seventeen days was sent 
to Niagara and from thence to Montreal and Quebec. 
At Montreal my Irons were taken off. I embark'd at 
Quebec about the i^^ day of November for New York 
where I arrived the 20*** of December and having 
given a Parole I was set at Liberty or rather sent from 
the 22^ to General Putnams head Quarters. I am sat- 
isfied with the truth of M""^ Tuckers Information and 
this is all I think myself at Liberty to say. The two 
Horses which I received from you together with my 
Gun, Paint and a Shirt which I have charged you I 
left with Mamaltese at the Delaware Towns to take 
Care of, the Tomhawk I left with M'" Tucker. I doubt 
not but you will think it just I should be paid for 



95 Possibly this is the event described by Arbuckle in his 
letter of Nov. 2, 1776: Ibid, p. 211. — Ed. 



REPORT OF A SPY 233 

them. I omitted to mention that I was hurried off 
from Detroit on Acc*^ of the Delawares being deter- 
mined to have me released. If the Hon^'^ Speaker 
and House of Delegates of Virginia shall think proper 
to make me any Compensation for my Suffering in 
their Service, I shall receive it with gratefull acknowl- 
edgements, and if they think proper to have me ex- 
changed or get me released from my Parole, I shall be 
ready and I think I should have it in my Power to 
render essential Service to the States under the Direc- 
tion of CoP Morgan as I think the Delawares have 
always been and Still are well disposed for Peace, 
Unless the late unfortunate affair at Beaver Creek and 
the other Murders Committed at Fort Pitt last Sum- 
mer has sour'd their Mind. I am Sir Yours &c 

Daniel Sullivan^^ 
YouHiOGANiA County Pittsburgh 
Personally appear'd Daniel Sullivan this 21^* day of 
March 1778 before me John Campbell One of the Jus- 
tices of the Peace for said County who being duly 
sworn deposeth and saith that the forgoing Letter 
directed to Col° John Cannon and sign'd by the said 
Daniel Sullivan, contains a just and true relation of 
the Matters and things therin mentioned, and further 
saith not. 

Daniel Sullivan 

Sworn to & subscribed by the said Daniel Sullivan the day 
&: year above mentioned before me John Campbell 



96 Nothing more is known of Daniel Sullivan's early life 
than is narrated in this document. He was at Louisville in 
1780 where he platted some of its lots, and founded a station 
in Jefferson County. In 1782, while going as express to Fort 
Pitt from Kentucky, he was present at the siege of Wheeling 



234 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

CONCILIATING THE SHAWNEE 

[Col. George Morgan to Shawnee chiefs. Source, same as 
preceding document.] 

Pittsburgh March 25*^ 1778 
Wapeymachickthe^'^ to the Chiefs & Warriors of the 
Shawnese Nation 

Brothers — When I look toward you or at the 
Kenawa River I am ashamed of the Conduct of our 
young fooHsh Men. formerly I was ashamed of the 
Conduct of your young men. Now I see there are 
foolish people among all Nations. Our Wise men are 
ashamed and sorry for what has happen'd and our 
Warriors declare themselves in like manner. For this 
Reason Brothers, I now send Swatswih^^ to tell you 



and therein wounded. In 1785 he removed to Vincennes, and 
was in some way connected with Clark's expedition of 1786. 
In 1790 he was killed by Indians near Vincennes. He is said 
to have been "very stout and very brave and every inch a 
soldier" — Draper MSS., 13CC121. — Ed. 

9" This was Col. George Morgan's Shawnee name, as 
Taimenend was his Delaware cognomen. — Ed. 

98 The Indian name of James Girty, who was the messenger 
employed on this occasion. James Girty was born in 1743 in 
Pennsylvania, captured at the age of thirteen, and carried 
with all his family to the Indian town at Kittanning. During 
Armstrong's raid the Girty boys were removed from the 
vicinity, but were soon brought back and parcelled out among 
the tribes. While Simon went to the Seneca, and George to 
the Delawares, James was carried to the Shawnee towns and 
there resided for about three years. After the treaty of 
Easton (1759) he was returned to the settlements and lived 
in the vicinity of Fort Pitt, being employed as a laborer and 
occasionally getting an opportunity to interpret for traders. 
In March, 1778, he was employed by the commissioners 
then at Fort Pitt to carry a message to the Shawnee, in ex- 
tenuation of the murder of their chief, and to persuade them 
to keep the peace. McKee and the escaping Loyalists found 
James Girty at Old Chillicothe, and easily persuaded him to 
join their party. He did not arrive at Detroit until August. 



LETTER TO THE SHAWNEE 235 

not to think hard of it. I know that the wicked 
Mingoes and Wiandots have occasioned the loss of 
your People at Kenhawa. They came and kill'd some 
of our People whilst yours were in the Fort on pur- 
pose to have them hurt. I therefore desire you not to 
think hard of the white people there. Strings of 
Wampum 

Brothers Now Listen to what the great Council of 
the United States, say to you. Open your Ears that 
you may hear and your hearts that you may under- 
stand them. It is as follows 

Brothers the Shawnese It gave us great joy to hear 
by our Agent M'* Morgan that you appear to be re- 
solved to hold fast our Friendship. We have received 
all your Speeches and what you said at the Treaty last 
Summer. Your Words please us very much and so 
long as your actions correspond you may depend on 



He was then taken into British pay, and made interpreter for 
the Shawnee. He led out his first party against the American 
settlements in Kentucky, in the autumn of 1778. Thence until 
the close of the Revolution he was in active service, recon- 
noitering (1779) toward Ouiatanon at the time of Clark's 
expected expedition, and accompanying that of Bird to Ken- 
tucky (1780). In the summer of the latter year he was at 
the Shawnee towns when they were raided by Clark. In 1782 
he was among the forces that defeated Crawford, and in the 
Shawnee towns he informed against Slover. In the autumn 
of 1782, while his brothers were with Caldwell in Kentucky, 
James Girty was with the Indian party that besieged Wheel- 
ing. At the close of the Revolution he established a trading 
house at St. Mary's on the Maumee, at a place later known 
as Girty's Town. On the approach of Harmar (1790) he 
removed to Auglaize, and finally (1704) retreated before 
Wayne to Detroit, and then to Canada. There he had a grant 
of land (1807) in the township of Gosfield, whither he retired. 
Too infirm from rheumatism to take part in the War of 
1812-15, he died at his farm, April 5, 1817. — Ed. 



236 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

our Friendship and we are determined to give you 
every Proof thereof in our Power. 

Brothers We are sorry to hear what has happen'd 
at the Kenhawa. It has been owing to foolish wicked 
People and they shall suffer. We therefore desire you 
will not think hard of your White Brothers there on 
that Acco". but impute the Loss of your Friends to the 
Wicked Mingoes & Wiandots who came and killed 
some of our People near the Fort whilst yours were 
there on purpose to have them knock'd on the Head. 
You know there are foolish people among all nations. 

Brothers We desire to give you full Satisfaction 
for the wicked Murder committed on your Chiefs and 
young Men at the Kenhawa. Therefore and in order 
to convince you that our Intentions are good and that 
we are resolved to clear the Road between us and to 
destroy all the Briars and Thorns which have grown 
therein, We have named three Wise Men to repair to 
Fort Pitt to consult with you for that purpose And we 
desire that you will appoint a few of your Chiefs to 
meet them there and whatever your Wise Men and 
ours agree to, let each of us resolve shall bind our 
People so that our Friendship may endure forever. 

Brothers Consider well what we have proposed to 
you and let nothing Prevent your coming, even though 
your young Men in their Anger for the Loss of their 
Friends may have done us mischief. What we ask is 
to renew our Ancient Agreements and to put our 
Freindship on such a footing that our peace may never 
be interrupted. Tell us plainly whether you will or 
will not come as we desire, let us know your Minds 
for we shall consider your Answer as the Messenger 



LETTER TO THE SHAWNEE 237 

of Peace or War and prepare ourselves accordingly. 
We wish to live in Peace with you and with all Indian 
Nations and we desire to give you satisfaction for the 
foolish Conduct of our young Men at the Kenhawa. 
Therefore Brothers if you wish for Peace as we do we 
desire that you will send some of your Wise Men as 
already mentioned that the Fears of your and our 
Women and Children may be done away and we prom- 
ise you shall Not have reason to be sorry for their 
coming Belt of Wampum 

Now Brothers You have heard the Voice of our 
great Council. Our three Wise men are arrived here. 
I therefore tell you to rise quickly and let nothing pre- 
vent your coming here. You know I never deceived 
you, therefore you may now beleive me. And with 
this Belt I clear the Road &c &c A Road Belt. 

Wapeymachickthe 

To the Chiefs and Warriers of the Shawnese Nation — 
We join with Colonel Morgan in our Wishes that 
the antient agreement between us which we fear has 
been interrupted by unhappy Accidents may be re- 
newed with Sincerity on both Sides. And we unite 
with him in the Invitation given in the name of Con- 
gress, who have sent us here, to come to Fort Pitt to 
establish a Peace, but we hope you will come quickly 
as we shall stay no longer than will be sufficient for 
you to make the Journey. ^^ 

Deliver'd to James Girty i pJ" : broad Arm Bands 6 Hair 
Plates 6 doz : Broaches, i Stroud i p^" : Leggings i large 
Silver Cross i8 Silver Rings i Callico Shirt i Conk Shell 



99 This portion of the document was intended for the sig- 
nature of the commissioners. — Ed, 



238 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS 

[Commissioners to Gen. Edward Hand. 3NN21-23 — 
Transcript.] 

Sir — As under the present circumstances of things, 
immediate recourse can be had to the MiHtia alone 
for the defence of this country against the incursions 
of the Indians: In the several conferences with you 
we have agreed to the following arrangement to take 
place until a plan which we shall recommend to Con- 
gress can be approved of & carried into execution. 

For Westmoreland 150 men, that is, 30 to be added 
to Capt. Moorhead's company, & 120 to be disposed of 
for the protection of the county as shall be thought 
proper. This county to furnish the whole number for 
these Services, & also to find the necessary relief. 

For Yohogania 150 men, that is, 30 for the town of 
Pittsburgh, & 120 for general service. The first draft 
to be made in the county. 

For Ohio 150 men, that is, 50 for the garrison of 
Fort Henry, & 100 for more general Service : The 50 
to be Supplied by Hampshire — 20 from Yohogania & 
30 from Monongolia, for the last mentioned Service ; 
the remaining 50, to be furnished by the county of 
Ohio. The reliefs for the three counties of Yohogania. 
Monongolia & Ohio, to come from the interior coun- 
ties of Berkley, Frederick, Shenandore, & Hampshire. 

For the frontiers of Augusta, 150 men to be drawn 
from that county & Rockingham. 

For Fort Randolph 50 men from Bottetourt & Rock- 
bridge. 

For Greenhriar, 150 Men, of which 100 from that 
county, & 50 from Bottetourt. Bottetourt to relieve its 



DRAFT OF MILITIA 239 

own Militia, but Rockbridge to relieve that of 
Greenbriar. 

For Montgomery & Washington, a number not ex- 
ceeding 300; these counties to furnish the first 
draughts as well as the reliefs. 

Bedford being already provided for, is not included 
in this arrangement. 

With respect to the relieving counties, we think in 
the requisitions made for that purpose, that regard 
should be had to their comparative strength as it ap- 
pears in the act regulating the draughts lately passed 
by the Legislature of Virginia. The militia act of 
Pennsylvania limits the Service of its Militia to two 
months, but w^e think it would be proper your requisi- 
tions on Virginia should be for three months. 

This is the general plan agreed on, but as many cir- 
cumstances may arise which should occasion an altera- 
tion with regard to the force to be employed in the 
different counties, as well as the requisitions to be 
made, we do not wish you should be strictly confined 
to it, but think it extremely proper you should in these 
matters use your discretion, & deviate from it where 
necessity seems to require it, & the public cause served 
by it. We wish if practicable that instead of militia 
called out in the ordinary way, who are with difficulty 
brought to consider themselves soldiers, & will fre- 
quently abandon the most important enterprise in the 
moment of execution when their terms of service are 
about expiring, that you engage an equal number of 
volunteers to Serve for a longer time than can be 
expected or required of militia. The latter mode of 
protecting the country would, we believe, not only be 



240 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

more effectual, but more economical. We are, Sir, 

Your Most obed^ humble Serv'^^ 

Sam Mathews, 

Geo. Clymer, 

Saml McDowell. 
Brig. Genl Hand. 



MURDERERS OF CORNSTALK 

[Gov. Patrick Henry to Col. William Preston and Col. 
William Fleming. 15ZZ23— A. L. S.] 

WmsBURGH Mar 27^ 1778. 

Gentlemen — As you prefer Kellys for the new 
post, please to order one hundred men officer'd in the 
usual Manner to do Duty there in the Way most likely 
to answer a good purpose, during such time as the 
safety of the Frontiers shall require. Fifty of these 
men are to be drawn from Botetourt & the other fifty 
from Green Bryar. I order the fifty men from Rock- 
bridge to Fort Randolph which you advise. Mont- 
gomery need not send any if you judge it best, to that 
post. Let the men necessary to defend Montgomery 
be embodied & properly stationed. I send one thou- 
sand pounds cash by M'" Neilly to put into the Hands 
of such commissary as you shall Appoint. He ought 
to give Bond & Security to account for this or more 
money which may be given him to conduct that Busi- 
ness. 

I send some printed proclamations against the Mur- 
derers of the Indians, please to distribute some to the 
countys most proper, & send others to the Indians, 
with whom I ardently wish a Treaty. Will you please 
to tell me what preparations you judge best to make 
in order to facilitate this work of peace? For indeed 



LETTER TO THE DELAWARES 241 

the Injustice of pursuing by offensive & vigorous 
Measures, those whom by our Injustice have been pro- 
voked to Hostility, is too striking & shocks me. I am 

Gen^ Y'' mo. hhble Serv' -r, tt 

P. Henry 

To Colos Wm Preston & Fleming 



RELATIONS WITH DELAWARES 

[Col. George Morgan to the Delaware chiefs. MS. in Carnegie 
Library, Pittsburgh; George Morgan's Letter Book.] 

Fort Pitt March 27th. 1778. 
The United States of America to their zvise Brethren 

of the Delaware Council 

Brothers — It made my Heart glad to see your Mes- 
sengers, and to receive your Letter. You have now 
made me stronger than I was before. All our People 
rejoice at this fresh testimony of your Friendship. 

Brothers What you say convinces me that the 
great & good Spirit has directed you in your Councils. 
Your determinations are wise, and I desire you to con- 
tinue strong in good works. The Tempest will be over 
in a few Months. You will then enjoy the Sweets of 
Peace, whilst your restless Neighbours are suffering 
the Punishment due to their evil Deeds. I know who 
they are, and every one of them shall suffer, except it 
be such as our wise Brethern the Delawares desire us 
to have pity on. I therefore hope they will bury the 
Hatchet and accept the friendship I still offer to them, 
before it be too late. The foolish Lake Indians are 
the Slaves of their pretended Father, they are afraid 
of him, or I think they would not act so foolish, for 
this reason and because their wicked Father at Detroit 



242 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Niagara &c, has put evil into the minds of our foolish 
Brethren, you will see him sunk from the place he is in, 
never more to be heard of. I tell you Brothers you 
will see this. What will then become of his foolish 
Children who still refuse to hearken to the wise Dela- 
ware Council. I wish to save them Brothers if it be 
possible, if you can assist me therein, I shall leave 
the method to you, and whatever the wise Delaware 
Council do, or whatever they agree to with the Wian- 
dots &c, it shall bind me; provided they immediately 
leave off their foolish conduct, & prove themselves to 
be our Friends. 

Brothers I am much pleased to hear that three 
Wise Chiefs of the Shawnese have come to live with 
you, and that a number of their People are inclined to 
sit down by their Grandfathers, and hold fast to our 
friendship as I desired them when I sent the Token to 
Coitcheleh last Fall, and in my Speeches last Summer. 
I desire you will encourage them all in your power to 
this good work, and that you may be like one strong 
Man in your Councils, to promote the good of your 
young Men, Women and Children. 

Brothers I thank you for sending me the Papers 
which the Governor of Detroit sent to you, and your 
Grandchildren. He no doubt thought by his promises 
of Cloathing &c to make Fools of the wise Dela- 
wares — but he is mistaken. 

Brothers I have no Cloathing at this present time 
to give to you, tho' I see you have occasion of them, 
but your wants shall be all supplied by and by, as they 
have heretofore been. I do not want you to carry 
Papers and to kill. Men, Women, or Children, like the 



LETTER TO THE DELAWARES 243 

Governor of Detroit does, because he is not able to do 
it himself. I do not want you to get hurt in my Quar- 
rel. What I want of you is to live in Peace and 
Friendship with me as Brothers ought to do, and to 
take care of your young Men, your Women and Chil- 
dren — this is what we desire of all Indian Nations. 
And this very Paper will be brought as a Witness 
against all those who may hereafter continue to act as 
the Servants of the Governor of Detroit. 

Brothers I have already told you of the great suc- 
cess of our Armies toward the Sea, and of General 
Burgoyne, and all his Army being made Prisoners by 
General Gates. This I now confirm. And you may 
depend I shall be able to give you some more good 
News the ensuing summer. 

Brothers I refer you for other matters to my 
Messages lately sent to you and to our Brothers the 
Shawnese. I now confirm them and I desire you will 
consider this as directed to you and to your Grand- 
children jointly. Our wise Men wait here to see you, 
therefore make no delay. I have taken good care of 
your Messengers, but have nothing more to give them 
than plenty of good Victuals, Drink & Tobacco. 

I desire you will aid and assist my Messenger to the 
Shawnese at Miami all in your power. I shall be re- 
joiced to have all your Grandchildren behave like wise 
People, and I beg you will give them good Council and 
assist them in taking care of their young Men, their 
Women and Children. 

Taimenend 



244 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

[Col. George Morgan to Zcisberger. Source, same as pre- 
ceding document.] 

Fort Pitt March 27th. 1778. 
To The Rez'd: M>': David Zeisherger, 

Dear Sir — Just after I had sent James Girty and 
his Wife off with the Message to the Shawnese which 
he will shew to you, the Delaware Messengers arrived 
to my very great Joy. 

I have sent your Packet down to Lancaster to Col" : 
Nevill who left this yesterday. 1 lately forwarded to 
you two Letters from your Friends below. I have not 
heard from thence lately nor have I any News of im- 
portance to communicate to you. 

General Burgoyne and all his Army are at Boston 
detain'd as Prisoners of War. I think our Affairs 
below are in a good way and hope this Summer will 
put an end to the Contest. We shall open the Cam- 
paign with greater advantages than ever. 

It gives me great pleasure to hear you have been so 
quiet the last Winter and that you have hopes the en- 
suing Summer will not be so bad as the past. 

It rejoices me exceedingly to hear that Cap^ Pipe, 
Cap^ White Eyes, Cap^ Killbuck, and all the other 
wise Delaware Chiefs resolve to remain our Friends. 
Were it not from the hope of promoting Peace I would 
not stay here a moment. 

I wish to God our mutual endeavours may be bless'd 
with success. For my own part I wish no other re- 
ward than to render service & to promote the Peace 
& happiness of the Indian Nations & the United 
States. Roth have placed great confidence in me and I 
never will deceive either. I am with great respect &c 

[George Morgan] 



ENGAGING VOLUNTEERS 245 

REPORTS PROM FORT HENRY 

[Col. David Shepherd to General Hand. 2U8— A. L. S.] 
Fort Henry March the 28*^^ 1778. 

Sir — Agreable to your order of the 22^ of this In- 
stant I have Drafted fifty of the MiHtia of our County 
& have the most part of them on the Stations, there is 
some of them 1 am forced to use such Meashures with 
as is Disagrable to me, accotioned by some Disaffected 
people in our County. T have likewise Drafted ten 
Men out of our County for the Regular Service and 
Expect to Have them Ready in a few Days to Deliver 
to you or any person properly authorised for that Pur- 
pose as we are so far from the seat of Government. T 
would be glad to know of you what would be best to 
Do with them as they Might be useful 1 in your Depart- 
ment. I have Engaged some Volunteers to go on the 
Expedition you formerly mentioned to me against the 
first of aprill and have ordered them to be at Pitt 
against that time. But I fear the Murder Done at 
Dunker Creek^ will prevent some of them and the 
Proper Supplies not havin Come to our assistance 
from the other Counties, We are Very Busy in hang- 
ing and Drying the Pork in Store, But men having 
such an aversion to work makes it Difficult. Every 
other order I shall Comply with as far as is in my 
power. 

Any other matter that you may want to know the 
Barer M'" Robinson can Inform you Sir I am with 
Respect your Humble Servant 

David S hep hard 

To His Excelency General Hand 
Pr favour of M^" Robinson. 



^ For Dunkard Creek, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 212, note 55. 
The depredations are further noted in Clark's letter of 
March 30, post. — Ed. 



246 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

REPORT FROM FORT RANDOLPH 

[Capt. William McKee to General Hand. 2U9 — A. L. S.] 
For[t] Randolph, 29th March 1778 
Sir — In my Last of 29th Jan. you were Inform^ 
that six of the soldiers were Dead of the small Pox. 
There has six Died since in Garrison & one that went 
on Furloe with Cap*^ Arbucle Died on the Road makes 
13 on the whole 8 of my Comp'y & 5 of Cap^ Arbucles 
the Remainder that had the Disorder are all Recovered 
except one that is yet unfit for Duty The Garrison is 
now in general in good Health. The Indians have 
made no Attempt upon us. There was the signs of a 
party Discovered crossing Ohio 12 miles below this 
[the] 9*^ of this Instant I sent an express to the set- 
tlement to give notice who are Return'd and are now 
going to your post. I also Informal you our Beef wou^ 
be exhausted some time in April. But unfortunately 
above 3500 ^^^ was spoil^ & we have been totaly out of 
Beef since the 17*^ Inst. I expected either Pork or 
Bacon wou^ have been sent by Lt Gilmore^ w^ (with 
the weakness of the Garrison) caused my Delaying 
sending on express sooner. To my Mortification was 
Disappointed. By yours of the 12*^ Instant I learn^ a 
supply of Pork for this place was Intended soon. But 



2 Lieut. James Gilmore belonged to the well-known Rock- 
bridge County family of that name (see ante, p. 159, note 20), 
and had served under Capt. William McKee in Dunmore's 
War. When the Revolution began, he volunteered and as 
early as 1776 was a lieutenant in McKee's company on the 
Continental establishment. Having resigned before 1781, 
Gilmore raised and commanded a militia company from Rock- 
bridge, for the relief of the Southern army, marched his 
troops to the aid of General Greene, and participated in the 
victory of the Cowpens (Feb. 17, 1781) under Gen. Daniel 
Morgan. — Ed. 



AFFAIRS AT FORT RANDOLPH 247 

from L* Gilmore & L*^ Hamilton (who is now here) I 
also am Inform^ that the scarcity both of Boats & 
hands as also your not expecting we were totaly out 
might Procrastinate the supply too Long, have there- 
fore sent L^ Ja" M^Nut with a party & a Boat with 
whom I hope you'll endeavour to send a sufficient sup- 
ply of Pork or Bacon there is now about 50 Days 
Double Rations of flower for what men is here 20 
Day's will elapse before the Boat Returns so that then 
there will scarce be single Rations of flower for two 
months, it therefore appears Necessary another Boat 
with an Additional supply of flower shou'*^ be sent. 
I have sent with L* Ja^ M^^Nut an ace* ag^* the United 
States for Cloathing Money for three of my Compy 
who are enlisted for three years w^ I hope your excels 
will send with him. There is a sum of the Bounty 
Remains in my hand and it Does not appear I shou^ 
have an opportunity to use it in the Recruiting way 
here, therefore wou<^ Desire your Directions where or 
to whom I shall refund it. the men are giving in their 
Notices already that they won*^ serve longer than their 
present term. I have learn^^ from good Authority that 
the Indians Intend striking a severe Blow at this place 
some time in May next. The Money arriv^ safe. M"" 
Gilmore is gone Down the River after those Deserters. 
M'" Hamilton is here after another party it seems as if 
all the men wou*^ Desert your post. We have not y^ 
bushel salt in the garrison one Battoe was cut loose at 
three o'c in the Morning of the 9*^ Ins* either by In- 
dians or Deserters she was pursued Directly but the 
Darkness of the Night and a Fogg on the River pre- 
vented her being got the other Day we Catch^ one a 



248 I'kOMTIKR DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

J)rift of the same make & size with the others sii])- 
posed to come from your (larrison. I have sent a cer- 
tificate of Ja^ Logan & Phill. Hamoiid going express 
to Green Briar.-' present my Comp''^ to Maj'' ICwing 
Col" Mathews & M'^ Dowel. I am Wnn I'^xccl^^ Most 

nW Hhle Serv^ 

Wni M'Kee 

lulwnrd Maiul P. Genl Fort Pitt 



ATTACK ON DlTNKARl) CKKEK 

I Maj. (ii'oriic Ro.ocm-s Clark to CK-ncral Hand. 18)71 — 
./\. 1.. S.l 

Muddy CM. March 3ot'> 1778 
D"" Gknkral — I am much obliged to you for send- 
ing my Letters to me as for your opening them it is 
a matter of no importance. 11ie liostilities commited 
in this part of the Country stopt the party that I had 
ordered to wheling [VVheeHng] for the Boats as their 
presence was amediately nessessary in the neighber- 
hood. I liave fited of a ])arty to Day whicli 1 hoi)e will 
answer the purpose intended. 11ie Indians have made 



3 James Logan of that part of Auj^nsta now a part of Rock- 
hridgc County, was a son of the elder James, who with his 
hrother David (father of Benjamin Logan of Kentucky) set- 
tled at an early day on Carr's Creek. James the younger was 
in McKee's company during Dunmore's War, and appears to 
have enlisted as a volunteer in the Revolution. He married 
PTannah Irvine, and two of his sons, Robert and Joseph D.. 
were well-known Pre.sbvterian ministers in the Shenandoah 
Valley. 

Philip Hammond took part in Dunmore's War. among the 
Botetourt volunteers. His title to fame is his notilication to 
the inhabitants of Donnally's Fort of the approach of the 
Indians (May, 1778), and his gallant defense of that fort. 
Particulars of his after life are not known to us. He may 
have descended from the Maryland family of Hammonds, 
among whom the patronymic Philip was frequent. — Ed. 



McKEE'S ESCAPE 249 

three different attacks on Dunkard C|rcek| whicli is 
entirely evacuated.^ 1 am Si'' your hble. Serv' 

Cj. k. Clark 
Gen' luIw'J I land Piftshurg \*r Exjjress 



LOYALISTS KHCAVK 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Jasper Yeatcs, MS. in New York 
Public Library; Hand Papers — A, L. S.] 

F-'oRT F^TT 30*'i. M<'^. 1778 
D*". Yf«:atks — f am in such Distress on being Satis- 
fied that M*". M^.Kee has made his escape from here 
tlie night before last, Accompanied by Mat: IClliot,''' 



■* l^'or the attack on the inhabitants of iJunkard Oeek, see 
Thwaites, IVithers's Border Warfare, pp. 238-240. The l>rit- 
ish reports of parties sent out, are in a letter of Henry Ham- 
ilton in Mich. Pion. & Hist. Colls., ix, pp. 434, 435. — Ei>. 

•'"' Matthew Elliott was born in Ireland, but removinj? to 
Pennsylvania at an early age, he settled at Carlisle. Having 
entered the Indian trade, he was familiar with the Shawnee 
and acted as their peace ambassador in Dunmore's War. At 
the outbreak of the Revolution he was, with his servingman 
Michael ffcrbert, taken in the Muskingum country by six 
Wyandot Indians and carried prisoner to Detroit. In later 
life he claimed to have abandoned his property and gone to 
Detroit because of Loyalist principles (Mich. Pion. /r Hist. 
Colls., XXV, p. r78). He was, nevertheless, regarded with sus- 
picion at Detroit, arrested, and sent down to Quebec. There 
he was released upon parole, and making his way to Fort Pitt 
escaped to Detroit, Mar. 28, 1778. He was at once made cap- 
tain in the Indian department, with a salary of ten shillings 
per day. His influence was great with the Shawnee, among 
whom he had married. Throughout the Revolution Elliott 
was actively engaged against the American frontier, taking 
off the Moravians in 1781, and aiding in Crawford's defeat 
C1782). After the war he settled at his home on the Cana- 
dian side of Detroit r<iver, and in 1790 became deputy super- 
intendent of Indian affairs, and 1795 superintendent. In 1798, 
through some difificulty with the military arm of the service, 
he was summarily dismissed from ofifice. In 1801 he repre- 
sented Essex in the parliament of Upper Canada, and was 
again a member in 1805 and 1809. In i8rj8 he was restored 



250 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Simon Girty, two others I am not Acquainted with & 
two negroes, that I can Say very little to you at this 
time — 

I inclose you a coppy of the Proceedings of the 
Commissioners respecting Col : Morgan & Matters in 
Gen^ 5 men were lately Murdered on Dunkard Creek, 
two Wounded & 4 taken last week a soldier kild an 
Indian on the Indian Side nearly Opposite M"". 
Croghans place but did not escape himself. I hope to 
See you Soon Untill then Adieu D'". Yeates most 

Affectionately y'*^ 

Edw^: Hand 
Jasper Yeates Esq^. To the Care of Richd. Peters Esqr. 



[General Hand to Gen. Horatio Gates. 3NN105, 106 — 
Transcript.] 

Fort Pitt, 30*^. March, 1778. 
Sir — I have the mortification to inform you that 
last Saturday night, Alex"". McKee made his escape 
from this place, as also Mathew Elliott, a person lately 
from Quebec on parole, Simon Girty, Robt. Surplus, 
and one Higgins.^ On my arrival from Kanhawa in 



to his office as superintendent of Indian affairs, receiving at 
the same time a commission as captain in the regulars. At 
the outbreak of the War of 1812-15 he became deputy-quar- 
tcrmaster-general, and leader of the Indians, and in 1814 
received a medal for his efficient services. When the Ken- 
tuckians captured Amherstburg after Perry's victory on 
Lake Erie, they completely wrecked Elliott's house and furni- 
ture, because of his conspicuous services to the British cause. 
Elliott retired with the army to the Thames, and after that 
battle proceeded to Joseph Brant's place on Burlington Bay, 
where in May, 1814, he died. His descendants returned to 
his former home in Amherstburg, where they inherited a 
considerable estate, including about sixty negro slaves. — Ed. 
6 Robert (called Robin) Surphlitt (Surplus) was a cousin 
of Alexander McKee. He was placed on the pay-roll of the 



McKEE'S ESCAPE 251 

Dec'" last, I reed, the direction of the Board of War to 
send McKee to York Town on his parole, and accord- 
ingly wrote him the enclosed note the 29th Deer., 
which he told the messenger required no answer. 
Finding he did not come up from his farm (where he 
then was) as soon as I expected, I repeated my desire 
in the note dated 7th Feb'y, on which he came here 
immediately and apologized for his delay. When I 
returned here from my late excursion into the Indian 
country, I found him still here pretending indisposi- 
tion, which with other plausible excuses detained him 
until the time of his escape — an event the more dis- 
tressing to me as it was distant from my thoughts ; 
nor can I help thinking that Elliott brought him 
despatches from Quebec which influenced him at this 
time. * * * 

P. S. Within this month 5 men have been killed, 2 
wounded, & 4 taken by the Savages on Dunkard 
Creek. Last week two soldiers straggled over the 
Alleghany and fell in with 5 Indians, the soldiers had 
the first fire and killed one; but afterwards suffered 
a like loss themselves. 



Indian department and apparently was employed as a messen- 
ger to the tribesmen. After the Revolution he was reduced to 
half pay, and in 1796 pensioned for his services as "late 
lieutenant of the Western Indians." In 1803 he applied for 
a grant of land, and spoke of his residence as not being far 
from the Niagara frontier. 

John Higgins appears to have been a servant of McKee. 
He was placed upon the pay-roll of Indian volunteers at four 
shillings a day. In 1779 he attempted to desert to Clark's 
army, but was captured at the Miami towns. In February, 
1783, he was discharged, and in April of that year McKee 
met him at Roche de Bout. — Ed, 



252 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

A report prevails that 28 men were taken by the 

savages at the Salt Lick near Kentucky in Feby/ 

EDW<i Hand 
To Maj. Geii. Gates 



[General Hand to Col. William Crawford. 3NN107 — 
Transcript.] 

Fort Pitt, 30^1^. March, 1778. 

Dr. Crawford — I reed yr. favor of yesterday, and 
am sorry for the accident that befel Mr. De Camp, 
and send the Doctor to his assistance. 

You will no doubt be surprised to hear that Mr. 
McKee, Matthew Elliott, Simon Girty, one Surplus, 
and Higgins, with McKee' s two negroes, eloped on 
Saturday night. This will make it improper to pro- 
ceed with the intended expedition to French Creek, 
which I beg you may give proper notice of to the gen- 
tlemen who are preparing for it ; and as your assist- 
ance may be necessary towards preventing the evils 
that may arise from the information of these run- 



7 This refers to the capture of Daniel Boone and the party 
from Boonesborough, who were boiling salt at the Lower 
Blue Licks. The captors were about 120 Shawnee Indians 
led by their war chief, Blackfish. They were on their way to 
attack Boonesborough, in revenge for the killing of Corn- 
stalk. The Kentucky pioneers did not anticipate an attack 
during the winter months, hence their fort was palisaded 
upon only three sides. Boone was captured while bringing in 
supplies of meat obtained in hunting. Learning the number 
and purpose of the enemy, he persuaded them to be content 
with the capture of the salt-boilers, twenty-six in number, 
whom he agreed to persuade to give themselves up. They 
were taken to the chief Shawnee town, then on the Little 
Miami three miles north of the present town of Xenia. There 
Boone was adopted into the family of Blackfish. He made 
his escape the following June. — Ed. 



McKEE'S ESCAPE 253 

aways, I beg you may return here as soon as possible 
I am, Dr. Crawford, sincerely yrs, 

Edw*^ Hand 

Col. Wm. Crawford. 



[Maj. Jasper Ewing to Jasper Yeates. Reprinted from 
Historical Register (Harrisburg, Pa., 1884), ii, p. 157.] 

Fort Pitt, Mar. 30, 1778. 
HoND. Sir — Last Saturday Night Mr. McKee, 
Matt. Elliott, and Simon Girty, together with one 
Higgins ran off. McKee's Conduct on this Occasion 
is of so infamous a Nature, that it will forever render 
him odious. The General's Behaviour to him, time 
after time, when he was ordered below, and his Pitiful 
Excuses, seem to infer that his Escape was premedi- 
tated. His Intimacy with Elliott has been very great, 
and 'tis conjectured that Elliott brought dispatches 
for McKee from Quebec. As he was reputed to be a 
Gentn. of the Strictest Honour and Probity, no body 
had the least Idea of his being Capable of acting in so 
base a manner. A man of his Capacity, and so well 
acquainted with the Situation of our affairs in this 
department, will be no unwelcome Guest at Detroit. 
I am, Honerd. Sir, Yr. much obliged Nephew, 

J. Ewing 
Jasper Yeates, Esq. To the Care, of Richd. Peters, Esq. 



254 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

[Col. George Morgan to the President of Congress. MS. in 

Carnegie Librar}^ Pittsburgh ; George Morgan's Letter 

Book.] 

Fort Pitt March 31st. 1778. 
To the Honble, Henry Laurens Esq>'. 

Sir — As the Commissioners & General Hand are 
possessed of every information respecting the situation 
of affairs in this Quarter, I beg leave to refer you to 
their Letters & to the inclosed Message from the 
Delawares^ & Governor Hamilton's new Proclamation 
with two of his old ones which accompany this.^ 

I only wait here in hopes of being assistant to the 
Commissioners during their stay at this place. As 
they are fully acquainted with my sentiments respect- 



8 The message from the Delawares stated that Killbuck 
made a visit to Detroit in December, and that their forces 
were too few to cause uneasiness at Fort Pitt. White Eyes 
sent word that thirty Wyandots were out on the warpath 
toward the Redstone settlements — probably the band that 
made reprisals on Dunkard Creek. White Eyes also stated 
that Cornstalk's tribe of the Shawnee seemed willing to ac- 
cept the apologies of the whites for the murder of their chief, 
and would continue friendly. The Delawares do not appear 
to have been aware of the Shawnee raid to the Blue Licks, 
and the capture of Daniel Boone and his men. — Ed. 

9 This refers to a circular letter written by Hamilton 
(Jan. 5, 1778), enclosing a statement from several American 
captives testifying to the kind and humane treatment they had 
received from both Indian and white captors. This was signed 
by the following persons : "George Baker for himself, Wife 
& five Children now here, from 5 Miles below Logs Town ; 
James Butterworth from Bigg Kenhawa; Thomas Shoers 
(his mark), from Harridge [Harrod's] Town near Kentucky; 
Jacob Pugh, from six miles below the Fort at Wheeling; 
Jonathan Muchmore, from Fort Pitt ; James Whitaker, from 
Fort Pitt, taken at Fish Creek; [blank in MS.] from Bedford 
taken at Sandy Run; John Bridges (his mark) from Fort 
Pitt, taken at ditto." See Bausman, Beaver County, i, pp. 150, 
I ST.— Ed. 



McKEE'S ESCAPE 255 

ing Indian Affairs I need not repeat them to Con- 
gress. 

The elopement of M^ M^Kee late Crown Agent at 
Pittsburgh who most dishonourably broke his Parole 
on the 28*^. inst. has somewhat check'd the pleasing 
expectation I entertain'd respecting the Delawares & 
Shawnese, tho' I think the former will not be alto- 
gether influenced by him. Four persons accompanied 
him viz : Matthew Elliott, Simon Girty, Robin Surplis 
& [blank in MS.] Higgins. 

Elliott had but a few weeks ago return'd from 
Detroit via New York on his Parole & I am told had 
possess'd M^ : M'^ :Kee's mind with the persuasion of 
his being assassinated on his Road to York. Indeed 
several persons had express'd the like apprehensions, 
and perhaps had also mention'd their fears to him 
which I am of opinion has occasion'd his inexcuseable 
Flight. It is also very probable that Elliott might have 
been employ'd to bring Letters from Canada which 
may have influenced M"" : M'^ :Kee's conduct. 

Girty has served as Interpreter of the Six Nation 
Tongue at all the public Treaties here & I apprehend 
will influence his Brother who is now on a Message 
from the Commissioners to the Shawnese to join him. 

The Parties of Wiandots mention'd in the Letter 
from Cap* : White Eyes have committed several Mur- 
ders in Monongahela County. Last week two Soldiers 
who had cross'd into the Indian Country 4 or 5 Miles 
from this Post to hunt, discover'd five Indians, one of 
whom they shot before the Indians perceived them — 
the Fire was return'd, one of our Men was kill'd & 
the other escaped back to the Fort. 



256 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

The Massacre of the Indians who were invited to a 
friendly Conference at Fort Randolph & the unlucky 
mistake at Beaver Creek^^' I doubt not Congress are 
fully inform'd of by General Hand to whose Letters 
I beg leave to refer & remain with the greatest respect 

[George Morgan] 

Sir — Since writing the foregoing I have received 
an unexpected requisition from General Hand, a Copy 
of which I inclose. 

I am taking the necessary measures to comply with 
the General's order — to enable me to do this Business 
I must beg the favour of Congress to send to me by 
the Bearer James M'^Clelland who goes Express for 
the Commissioners four thousand Dollars. I am with 
great Respect &c. 

BOAT BUILDING 

[Colonel Morgan to Colonel Buchanan. MS. in Carnegie 
Library, Pittsburgh; George Morgan's Letter Book.] 

Fort Pitt March 31st. 1778 
To Colonel William Buchanan 

Commissary General of Purchases. 

M'": Stewart (Father to Major Stewart^^ taken on 
Staten Island) proposed to me the building of arm'd, 






1*^ The first reference is to Cornstalk's massacre; the sec- 
ond to Hand's campaign. — Ed. 

11 This officer, known as Maj. Jack Stewart, belonged to 
the Maryland line, where he was commissioned as first lieu- 
tenant in 1776, captain in December of the same year, and 
inajor in April, 1777. In August of the last-named year, he 
participated in Sullivan's unsuccessful attack on Staten Island, 
and was captured after such a brave attack "as would honor 
the finest troops in the world." Having been exchanged. 



BOAT BUILDING 257 

Boats on the Ohio and I believe would undertake the 
six Boats now order'd that he might acquire a more 
perfect knowledge of the Country and form a better 
Judgment of his proposed private undertaking. 

As he has a number of his own Workmen I think 
it would be well to send an Express to him on this 
business, requesting his attendance at York if he in- 
clines to undertake the business. 

A considerable number of other Boats will be 
wanted as I formerly wrote to you but I have received 
no orders respecting them. I am with respect &c 

[George Morgan] 

For your information I inclose to you the Contract 
of the Carpenters who built the last thirty Boats. I 
could wish the article of Rum to be left out if possible 
in the new Contract but I would not let this delay the 
Business. The Workmen and Materials may be di- 
rected in case of my absence to M"" : Joseph Skelton.^- 
The Materials wanted will be 

Rudder Irons & Pintles; Six Pump Spears and Boxes; 
Six large Ring Bolts; 12 Iron Potts for Cabouses; i large 
do;, to boil Pitch in and two Ladles; Two thousand weight 
of Deck Nails and Spikes assorted; Canvas & Blocks neces- 
sary for Sails ; Cordage for d^ : and for Cables ; 12 Barrels 
of Pitch; 2 d° : Turpentine; 600 ft Oakum; Sail Twine; 
Sail Needles ; 500 tb largest Rod Iron ; 

6 Rheams of Paper; 2 doz : Ink Powder; 4 hundred 
Quills; I tb Sealing Wax; i tb Wafers; 2 good Penknives, 
for the Commissary's Department 



Major Stewart was in Wayne's forces upon their attack on 
Stony Point, and was honored with a silver medal struck by 
order of Congress to commemorate his gallantry. He was 
later colonel of the ist Maryland regiment, and is said to 
have been killed by a fall from his horse near Charleston, 
not long after the close of the Revolution. — Ed. 
^- Commissary of stores at Fort Pitt. — Ed. 
17 



258 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

[Gen. Edward Hand to Col. George Morgan. MS. in Car- 
negie Library, Pittsburgh ; George Morgan's Letter Book.] 

Fort Pitt 21st. March 1778. 
To Colonel George Morgan, 

Sir — The Hon'ble the Commissioners appointed by 
Congress to repair to this place for various purposes, 
have recommended the building six Boats to carry one 
four Pounder each, and otherwise calculated for War, 
to secure the Navigation of the Ohio River from Post 
to Post, as you have had the direction of the Boats 
already built here, I beg you may take the necessary 
steps towards the speedy building of these arm'd 
Boats, the Dimensions and Construction I must leave 
to yourself, who are a better Judge than I can possibly 

be. I am Sir, Your Hble Servant 

Edw^: Hand 






ADDRESS TO THE SHAWNEE 

[Col. William Preston and Col. William Fleming to the 
Shawnee. 2ZZ44— A. L. S.i3] 

To the Chiefs & Warriors of the Shawnese Nation 

Brothers — We are Commanded by His Excellency 
the Governor and Council of the State of Virginia to 
Address your Nation. And we request in the Name 
of Our Governor, that you will listen patiently to what 
we have to say, and that you will accept the proposals 
we are ordered to make to you in behalf of all the 
good people of Virginia. 

Warriors and Chiefs — It is with the deepest Con- 
cern and sincerest Sorrow that we reflect on the Mur- 



13 The draft of this letter is in the handwriting of Col. 
William Fleming; the signatures of both Fleming and Pres- 
ton are appended. Ed. 



LETTER TO THE SHAWNEE 259 

der committed by some of Our rash young People, 
on the Corn Stalk and three Others of your Nation. 
Yet this Accident we hope will not lessen the Great 
Council Fire, before which your Father and Ours, 
and Yourselves and we, have sat and smoaked the 
Pipe of Peace. When you consider that one of our 
Officers was kiled by an Indian over the Kanhaway in 
sight of the Fort, and our hot headed young Men, 
believing it was done by some of Your Nation, 
prompted them to commit the horrid Murder, but we 
are Commanded to Assure you, that the Governor 
and all the Great Men of Virginia detest the crime 
and are much concerned that the Chain of Friendship 
which binds us together as Neighbours, Antient Allies 
& Friends, should contract any Rust. And to convince 
you of the sincerity of Our great Men, we are ordered 
to send you some of the Governors Proclamations, in 
which a reward is offered for Apprehending the Mur- 
derers, And every method taken to bring them to Jus- 
tice. You may be Assured they will be punished by 
our Laws, when they are taken in the same manner, 
as if they had kiled so many of our own People. We 
are Ordered to propose to you that Commissioners for 
Virginia, meet some of your Wise Old Men in treaty 
at Fort Randolph, in hopes that they can make you 
such reparation as will satisfy Your Nation, and con- 
vince you of the Peaceble disposition of Virginia 
towards you. We love you, because you are Generous 
& Sensible. We wish to be Friends with you. We 
have no desire to injure or molest you. We covet 
nothing you have. All we desire is Peace with you. 
this we are earnest to propose because Our Young 



260 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Men have done amiss & treated you ill. We Acknowl- 
edge it, and are Willing to make all the satisfaction we 
can. When you think seriously on the whole Affair We 
hope Your Wise Men will conclude to meet at Fort 
Randolph and hear what more the Virginia Commis- 
sioners have to say to you. If you will set a time when 
it will suit you to meet there, The Governor and Coun- 
cil will appoint Commissioners to talk with you, and 
endeavour to Cover the Blood that has been Spilt upon 
the Path of Peace, and brighten the Chain of Friend- 
ship. In order to forward this happy work, that you 
may be easy in Your minds, and safe in your Persons, 
when you come to treat an equal number of white peo- 
ple shall be sent over the Ohio, and put into your Peo- 
ples hands, for your sincerity and safe return. And 
we assure you of the most Friendly treatment. And 
should any Chiefs or Great Men of your Neighbour- 
ing Nations, Delawares, Mingoes, Wyandots come 
with you, they will be received kindly and treated as 
Friends. In the meantime we beg you will not hearken 
to the bad talks of our Enemies and Yours, they want 
us to destroy one another;^* And then they they will 
possess Your Lands and ours enslave Our Children 
& Yours. Your People and Ours live in the same 



1* Compare with this the message sent the Shawnee by 
White Eyes, the Delaware chief, after McKee and the other 
Loyalists had passed through his village : "Grand children ! 
3^e Shawanese ! some days ago a flock of birds, that had come 
on from the east, lit at Goschochking, imposing a song of 
their's upon us, which song had nigh proved our ruin ! 
Should these birds, which on leaving us, took their flight 
towards Sciota, endeavor to impose a song on you likewise, 
do not listen to them, for they lie." — Heckewelder's Narrative, 
p. t82.— Ed. 



I 



LETTER TO THE SHAWNEE 261 

land, breath the same Air, and drink the same water. 
We ought to live in Peace like Friends & Brothers. 
And we hope you will lay down the Hatchet, and re- 
strain your Young Men from disturbing Our Fron- 
tiers, untill you hear the good Talk from Our Gover- 
nor which he will send you by his Commissioners.^^ 
We send this by the Grenadier Squaw, and in full 
Assurance that you will accept the proposals we have 
made and send us both a Friendly Answer to Fort 
Randolph, which the Officer there will forward to us, 
we send you this String of White Wampum, And sub- 
scribe ourselves. Your Friends & Brothers 

Wm. Preston 
William Fleming 
Virginia Aprile 3d 1778 



15 The following "Heads of a Letter to the Shawnesse" 
were written out by Colonel Preston and appended to his 
letter to Colonel Fleming, March 14, 1778 (Draper MSS., 
4QQ163) : "That we are commanded to write to them by the 
Governor. That he and all his great men & the good Men 
in Virga are sorry for the Murder. That every method is 
and shall be taken to bring the Murderers to Justice. That 
if they are taken they shall be tryed by our Laws in the 
same manner as if they had murdered so many white People. 
That the Governor is desirous some of the Warriors would 
come to the point & hear & that he will send Com^ to meet 
them. That for their Security while they are talking of 
Peace an equal Number of white warriors shall be sent over 
the River as hostages. That the Virginians are unwilling to 
begin a War with them, and very desirous of Peace and want 
to have all difference made up that they may once more be 
Friends. That it will be for the Benefit of their Nation. 
That to convince them of the sincerity of our professions & 
Friendship, that should any [of] the Murderers be taken up 
some the Indians may be present & see it. Hot headed young 
Men." — Ed. 



262 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OFIIO 

DEFENSE OF THE SOUTHWESTERN FRONTIER 

[Gov. Patrick Henry's circular letter. 2U12. Printed 
document, autograph signature.] 

Williamsburg, April 12, 1778. 

Sir — The season is now come when the enemy will 
again take the field, and perhaps, by means of an in- 
creased number of forces, may oblige the continental 
army to retreat, and so overrun and ravage a great 
extent of country. In order to check this destructive 
progress, it is more than probable that assistance from 
Virginia will be called for. As the volunteer scheme 
does not promise to succeed, the militia will be our 
only resource, and from that must be drawn so many 
men as the exigency may require. Added to this, our 
own country is liable to be invaded on all sides, and a 
prudent regard to our safety, nay our existence, de- 
mands that we be prepared to resist. 

The design of this address is to require your most 
strenuous exertions to get your militia in readiness. 
In a particular manner, I entreat your attention to the 
arms and accoutrements of the men, and to see that 
one third part of them be put into readiness to march 
at a moment's warning. I desire that you will be par- 
ticular in getting returns from your Captains, by 
which the repairs necessary to be made to the arms 
and accoutrements may be discovered; and, after or- 
ders are given for these repairs to be made, you will 
order other returns, by which you may see whether 
they are properly executed. Let powder horns and 
shot bags be provided, where cartridge boxes cannot. 
A particular report of the number of your men, and 
the condition of their arms and accoutrements, when 



CLARK'S PREPARATIONS 263 

you have executed these orders, will be necessary ; and 
I shall expect it with impatience, equal to the impor- 
tance of those consequences which will follow from 
the punctual discharge of your duty. I am, Sir, Your 

Most humble Servant, 

P. Henry 



OLABK'S PREPARATION FOR OHIO VOYAGE 

[Col. George Rogers Clark to Capt. William Harrod. 18J72 — 
A. L. S.] 

April I2tb 1778. 

D^' Cap^" — I have this Day heard of our Boats com- 
ing up the River they left Wheling last tuesday. I 
also hear that the companies that I expected a Cross 
the Mountains is now on their march out so that I 
hope that we shall shortly be able to imbark for Ken- 
tucky as this is the Day that your Company was to 
imbody, I thought it necessary to get this inteligence 
to you as quick as possible as the men might not be 
uneasy. I should be glad that you would gather the 
remainder of your Company (that is not on Com^ to 
Wheling) and keep them imbodied and ready to 
March at the shortest warning as we shall start as 
soon as possible, as you are on the frontier your com- 
pany will be a guard to ye Inhabitants while you stay, 
(what goods belonging to you & Company that is to go 
down may be got ready to be put on board) Lieu'^ 
J. Swan^*^ I expect will furnish Rations for the Com- 



16 John Swan was one of the early settlers of Monongahela, 
having first visited the region in 1767 and blazed trees for a 
claim. In 1769 he removed his family thither from the 
Potomac, where they had settled after leaving the ancestral 
home in Loudoun County. The Swan place was contiguous to 



264 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

pany while they lay their, which I shall pay him for, 
one of my Brothers^^ came up the other day with some 
Acc*^ from the Governor to me, desireing me to be ex- 
peditious as possible as he is apprehensive that the 
Ind^ will shortly make a brake on the Frontiers and 
our being on our station he expects will draw their 
attention towards us until the army can be got ready 
to march into the Indian Cun^. I have sent you part 
of the late Laws of Virginia in which you will see part 
of the Invation Act and the authority of an Officer on 
duty. I am Si'" your H^^ Serv* 

G. R. Clark 
On piiblick service To Captn W^ Harrod Tenmile Creek. 



that of Jacob Van Meter, in Cumberland township of Greene 
County; and a blockhouse built about 1770 was named Fort 
Swan and Van Meter. It seems probable that the Lieut. John 
Swan, who was in Harrod's company on Clark's expedition, 
was a son of the first settler. John junior was in the expedi- 
tion to Kaskaskia (1778), and it is said (Draper MSS., 36J26) 
that he w^ent out as captain of a company in the Shawnee 
expedition of 1780. After that, nothing more is known to us 
of this officer. A family tradition (History of Greene County, 
Pa., p. 400) relates that while one son of the elder John Swan 
was emigrating with his family to Kentucky, he was shot and 
instantly killed on the boat while going down the Ohio River. 
May this not account for the disappearance of the young 
officer who served under Clark? Charles Swan remained on 
the family estate in Pennsylvania, where his descendants yet 
live. — Ed. 

17 This was probably Richard Clark, fourth son of the 
family; Jonathan, the oldest, was in the Continental service; 
George Rogers was the second son ; John, the third, was in 
a British prison, having been captured at Germantown. 
Richard Clark was born (1760) in Caroline County, Va. In 
March, 1779, he joined his brother George's army to the 
Illinois as a volunteer, receiving a commission as lieutenant 
in June of the same year. In May, 1780, he was at Cahokia, 
and served with Montgomery on the latter's Peoria expedi- 
tion. Later, Richard Clark was a member of the garrison at 
Fort Jefferson, and in the spring of 1781 returned to Louis- 



INDIAN DEPREDATIONS 265 

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FRONTIER ATTACKED 

[Col. William Preston to Col. William Fleming.^s 3ZZ14 — 
A. L. S.] 
My Business called me 20 miles above Fort 
Chiswell^^ [MS. torn] whence I returned last night 
much fatigued having rode great part of [the way] 
in the Rain and crossed the River yesterday at the 
Risque of my Life. This [was] occasioned by an 
Express from Culborsons Bottom^*^ which followed me 
to near the head of Holston. The account was, that 
the scouts, on tuesday last were met by fifteen Indians 
who pursued them so closeley that it was supposed 
one [was ta]ken. However I hear he is since come to 
the fort. The Indians have [invested] a little Garri- 
son about five Miles above Culbersons in such a 
[way] that the Officer made two or three attempts 
before he could send me a [message]. At length an 
active man brought a Letter dated the 10*^. They had 
not heard from Culbersons for three Days. I have 
ordered men from several companies to the Relief of 
these Places but I am really affraid they will not 
arrive in Time as the Waters are impassable. It is 
supposed by the People that a large Body of Indians 
are come in and that a Number have passed [by] the 



ville. In March, 1784, while travelling alone from Louisville 
to Vincennes, he lost his life either by an accident or an 
Indian ambush. As his horse was found with all his trappings 
and accoutrements, it was at the time surmised that he was 
drowned while crossing the Little Wabash. — Ed. 

18 This letter is unaddressed, but its contents show that it 
was written to Colonel Fleming, county lieutenant for 
Botetourt. — Ed. 

19 For account of Fort Chiswell, see Dunmore's War, p. 52, 
note 90. — Ed. 

20 For this location, see Ibid, p. 76, note 25. — Ed. 



266 rROXTlER DEFExNSE ON UPPER OHIO 

garrisons down the River to strike the Inhabitants. 
This supposition, I [think] is probable, and if I hear 
any further Accounts this Day, I shall make [use of] 
the kind Indulgence you gave me of calling some Men 
from Botetourt. 

I see very little Occasion to alter the Letter to the 
Shawnesse, two or three alterations I have pointed 
out, which Letter with the Wampum [MS. torn] you 
will meet Cap*. Arbuckle at Court and get him to for- 
ward it. Have it fairly Copied please to put my Name 
to it. 

You were certainly right in purchasing Provisions 
for the Draughts and not engage a Person to Victual 
them on the Road, and equally so in making [use of] 
the Public Money for that Purpose, as it was not so 
immediately wanted [for the] Militia. I was obliged 
to advance Cap* Crockett^^ £70 for the Draughts in 
this County. 

I am sorry that the Deserter brought by R. Preston-^ 
does not answer the [purpose]. At that time, nor till 
I rec^ your Message by M'" Floyd. ^^ I had not adverted 
[to that] Clause. Since which I have been informed 
that the Reg* that Deserter belonged [to was] com- 
posed of Virg^ & Maryland Troops. Had I thought 
or believed that it was not legally clear, I could readily 
have got a Deserter for him which [MS. torn] young 
Man to take. But as he is now in Carolina & will not 



-^ This officer is noted in Ibid, p. 44, note 79. — Ed. 

-- See for Robert Preston, Ibid, p. 174, note 21. — Ed. 

23 Capt. John Flo3'd must have but just returned from his 
captivity in England, after his disastrous privateering expedi- 
tion. See sketch of his life in Ibid, p. 9, note 15. — Ed. 



INDIAN DEPREDATIONS 267 

[return] till June I will do all I can to have the Mat- 
ter fully Settled before he [gets] in. 

Col° Lynch told be last Tuesday that he had but 
1500'''. of Lead [at the] Mines,-^ & the Frontier Li- 
habitants were daily calling for it agreeable [to the] 
Governors Order; but that in 8 or ten days his Fur- 
nace would be ready [and he] hoped to be able to 
Supply all the Demands against him for that Article; 
[that the] Governor had wrote a most pressing Letter 
to him to send two tons to Fort [Pitt and] a large 
Quantity to Congress. 

Before I saw the Colonel, I was informed that he 
makes the Inhabitants [MS. torn] for the lead ordered 
them by the Governor. I shall write to [MS. torn] 
the first opportunity & know the certainty ; & Mention 
your [MS. torn]. At present I am sure he cannot 
Supply you, therefore it would [be useless to] send 
up for it. 

Any Expence that Cap*^ Arbuckle may be at, and he 
ought [not to be] restricted, must be paid him; any 
Assurance you think proper to give [him on] that 
Head, I shall most readily Join you therein. 

I cannot perfectly agree in Sentiment ivith the 
Honble the Commissioners, that Botetourt should send 
as many men out of the County as Rockbridge,-'^ as 
[that] has a Frontier of its own to Defend, which is 
not the case with the latter. I am convinced the Mili- 
tia of Botetourt is not near equal to that [of the lat- 



24 For Col. Charles Lynch, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 174, 
note 4. — Ed. 

25 For the quotas ordered by the commissioners at Fort 
Pitt, see ante, p. 238. — Ed. 



268 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

ter] County, but the misfortune was, that Bo^ had no 
representative at Pittsburg. Upon the whole, for the 
above reasons and many [that will] readily Occur to 
you, were it my Case I would postpone that [perfect] 
Obedience to the Commander which is required until! 
the Governor, who by Law has the Command of the 
Militia, should be made acquainted with the Demand 
and the ill Consequences of a Compliance ; The Situ- 
ation of both Counties [he is a] Stranger to, & he 
may be made sensible that this County, in case of 
[invasion] can expect no Relief but what Botetourt 
can give it, & then I am sure he will let these things 
rest on the footing his last Letter to you [advised]. 
I can't See how you could send off your Militia at the 
call of the Gen^ [Hand], the honble the Com''^ or still 
a more hon'ble [MS. torn] unless first warranted to 
do so by the Commander in Chief of this State. This 
Warrant, I imagine, you have not yet received (but 
the Reverse) from him, and therefore I should believe 
you are Justifiable in refusing, or at least postponing a 
Compliance [to the] Requisition, until you have Or- 
ders from the Governor. 

I am afifraid I have tired you with this confus'd 
Letter. I am excessively uneasy about our Frontiers 
in general & my own exposed Family in particular. 
I am D'" Sir with real esteem your most [obedient 
servant] 

W"^ Preston 
Ap. 13, 177826 



26 On this same date General Hand sent a warning (Draper 
MSS., 30NN108) to the militia officers of Ohio and 
Monongalia counties, of the approach of the Wyandot bands 
that had been sent by White Eyes. It was too late, however, 



LETTER TO WISE DELAWARES 2b9 

P. S. If you see any careful Person coming this 
way or to M'' Madisons/^ please to Send part of the 
Money to M^ Floyd, as I was obliged to advance him 
305 Dollars to buy provisions & shall be in want of it 
soon. 

DELAWARES KEEP PEACE 

[MS. in Carnegie Library, Pittsburgh; George Morgan's 
Letter Book.] 

Fort Pitt April 13th. 1778. 
The United American States to the wise Delaware 

Council 

Brothers — We have received your Letter dated 
the 6th. inst. we have considered the Contents and 
are well pleased with your repeated professions of 
Friendship to the United States. It was to perpetu- 
ate our mutual happiness that we invited a few of you 
to meet us at our Council Fire at this place, which we 
are determined to rekindle sometime the ensuing Sum- 
mer, for our wise Brethren the Delawares in particu- 
lar and for all other Nations who incline to accept our 
Friendship, it was for this purpose and to give you 
assurances of our Friendship that we desired to con- 
sult with some of your wise Chiefs and to know what 
time to fix for our Meeting here with all your wise 
Men and principal Warriors that we may determine 
together what steps to pursue in order to defeat the 
evil intentions of the Wiandots and Mingoes. 



to avert the murders on Dunkard's Creek. See Clark's letter 
of March 30, ante, p. 248. — Ed. 

27 Probably referring to Capt. Thomas Madison, for whom 
see Dunm ore's War, p. 59, note 99. — Ed. 



270 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Brothers \\q have desired to take the Tomhawk 
out of your Heads and to condole with you on the 
unhappy affair at Beaver Creek. We sent back your 
Women and we are sorry you have had any occasion 
to reproach us. But Brothers we need not tell you 
what your own people did before that. We do not 
desire to recriminate, because that would appear as 
though we were in a bad Temper, and wanted to quar- 
rel with you. Brothers we tell you that is not the 
intention of the United States or of any of them. We 
have always told you so and have never deceived you. 
You must not look on what has been done as intended 
by our wise People to injure you, and we desire that 
you may not think hard of it. When we say you, 
Brothers, we not only mean the wise Council at 
Coochocking, but all Cap*: Pipe's old Council w^hich 
we consider as the same with you. 

Brothers We anxiously wait to see some of your 
wise Chiefs as we formerly desired, for which pur- 
pose we will continue here thirteen days from the 
date hereof. If they can arrive sooner it will be more 
agreeable to [us] as we have been greatly disappointed 
by being detained here so long. 

Brothers Be strong, for you may depend we will 
convince you of our Friendship : and that if you per- 
severe in good works your Children yet unborn will 
thank you for taking good Council. For this reason 
we desire you will not listen to the stories of Deserters 
or other bad People. Wq will convince you that it is 
not their Interest to tell you the truth; and you may 
rest assured that the United States desire Friendship 
and Peace and not War with our Indian Brethren. 



VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ILLINOIS 271 

RECRUITS FOR CLARK 

[Col. George Rogers Clark to General Hand. 18J73 — Trans- 
cript by Dr. Draper from "original in Dr. Tho. A. Emmet's 
Collection, New York City."] 

Redstone, April 17*11 1778. 
Sir — As I found by express from Maj. Smith, that 
my recruiters on Holston River had been more suc- 
cessful that I expected, in raising four companies,"^ 
and receiving intelligence of two companies more now 



28 William Bailey Smith was a native (1738) of Prince 
William County, Va. He early migrated to North Carolina, 
where he was associated with the Hendersons, Harts, etc. 
In 1775 he was present at the Treaty of Sycamore Shoals, 
and went out to Boonesborough during that summer. He was 
likewise in Boonesborough when the Boone and Calloway 
girls were captured (1776), and aided in their rescue. During 
the summer of 1777 he returned to the Yadkin, and brought 
out a party for the relief of the beleaguered settlements ; see 
ante, p. 103, note 63. Clark had known Smith in Kentucky 
and gave him a commission as major, together with an ad- 
vance of £150 to recruit for his expedition in the Holston 
settlements. Smith's letters to Clark (Draper MSS., 48Ji9,20, 
printed in Amer. Hist. Review, viii, pp. 495-497), dated 
March 7 and 29, were encouraging and boastful. The first 
reached Clark March 29, and made him relax his efforts to 
recruit in the Redstone region. Smith eventually sent out 
but one small company, part of whom deserted when the des- 
tination of the expedition was made known. Smith himself 
appears to have arrived at Boonesborough in June or July. 
He took part in the great siege of that place, which was his 
last military service. Having returned to North Carolina he 
was commissioned to extend the boundary line between that 
state and Virginia — now that between Tennessee and Ken- 
tucky. He was so occupied in 1779-80. He received for his 
services a tract of land on Green River, whither he removed 
in 1794, settling at a place known as Smith's Ferry, not far 
from the mouth of the Green. There he died Oct. 19, 1818. 
For these and further particulars, see Draper MSS., 
4B251. — Ed. 



272 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 



■ 



on their March from Winchester,-'' I shall not attempt 
to recruit any more men in this department, as I be- 
lieve I shall have my full quota, but shall prepare to 
set out on the intended expedition as soon as possible. 
I shall order what recruits 1 have west of the Monon- 
gahela to repair to Wheeling immediately, where they 
may probably be of service, and shall stay here myself 
until y® arrival of the troops I expect across the Mt". 
I should be glad to know by an answer to this letter 
whether I am to receive any provisions at this place or 
at Pittsburgh, if at Redstone, I hope. Sir, that you will 
send an order for ye receipt of it. I suppose it would 
at any rate, be of service to take the boats that I have 
loaded to Pittsburgh. 

I should be glad to receive my powder, &c., at this 
post. The provision boats that you were to send 
down, I expect may be ready at any time. If you will 
send them under my convoy, I shall take pleasure in 
doing that or any other piece of service that lays in 
my power. Be pleased to send me a few lines by y^ 
bearer, M'' [William] Linn, who will wait on you with 
this letter. I am. Sir, Your h^^ Serv^, 

G. R. Clark. 
To Gen. Hand, Pittsburgh. Pr. favor M^. Linn. 



29 Of these two companies, that of Capt. Leonard Hehn 
was recruited largely in Fauquier County; that of Capt. 
Joseph Bowman in Frederick. — Ed. 



INDIAN DEPREDATIONS 273 

ATTACK ON THE MONONGAHELA 

[Col. John Evans to General Hand. 2U13 — A. L. S.] 

Forks Cheat April 18*^ 1778. 
D^ Sir — The Indians on the 15*** Instant on the 
Monongahale, Above the Mouth of Cheat River Killed 
and took ten persons belonging to Maj'" Martins Fort,^'^ 
and took at least 20 horses, on 16*^. Burned a Fort 
that was evacuated 3 Miles from the Magazine at my 
house killed Seven Sheep & skined them and took 15 
horses which leaves our part of the Country in such a 
situation that the forts are all a Breaking the Inhabi- 
tants all seem Determined to moove to some place of 
Safety, for my part I shall be Oblidge to follow them, 
and leve the Provision to the mercy of the enemy 
Without some other method can Speedily take place, 
our Country is in such confusion, at this time that the 
Militia Will not be Redused to their Duty. I have 
made bold to Detain part of a Company of the ham- 
shire Melitia to guard the provision till I Receive or- 
ders from your honour What is to be Done, this part 
of the Country is much Distresed at this time and I 
fear Will be more so the Enemy seems to Strike only 
on this Quarter for farther particulars I refer you 



30 Apparently this is the affair assigned to the date of June, 
1779, by Withers and local historians who follow his account; 
see Thwaites, Withers, pp. 282, 283. Martin's Fort was sit- 
uated on Crooked Run, a small western tributary of the 
Monongahela, just across the Virginia line in the present 
Monongalia County. Martin's church is now located near by. 
The fort was attacked while most of its defenders had gone 
to work on their farms. Three men were killed — James 
Stuart, James Smally, and Peter Crouse; seven were taken 
prisoners, including sons of the three men killed and one 
John Shiver and his wife. — Ed. 

18 



274 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

to the Barer and am Sir Your most Obedient humb^ 

Serv* 

John Evans 

P. S. We are Distitu[t]e of Amunition and beggs 

your Honour to Assist us with that article if in your 

power, as its impossible \Ye can Defend our Selves 

without Amunition. 

On Public Service 
To His Excellency Gener'l Hand Fort Pitt. 



BRITISH WELCOME McKEE 

[Henry Hamilton to Alexander McKee. MS. in Canadian 
Archives; Series M,, vol. 105, fol. 13 — A. L. S.] 

Detroit Apl 23d 1778 

Dear Sir — I congratulate you on your escape, and 
shall be happy to see you here where you may be sure 
of finding friends and sincere ones. 

The sooner your convenience can admit of your 
coming to this place, the better, as I wish to confer 
with you on several points 'tis impossible to touch 
upon in a letter. The newspapers you sent, were very 
acceptable, they shall be forwarded to Gen. Carleton, 
whom I have made acquainted with your happy es- 
cape. The council to be held at this place and which 
I expect to be very full, will meet on or about the 
15th of May, till when matters will remain as they 
are — nothing can exceed the good temper and tract- 
able behaviour of all the Indians. The bearer is a very 
spirited young fellow, is trusty & I hope by good be- 
haviour will deserve to be put on a good footing. 

The Six Nations are more than ever attached to 
Government & zealous in the Cause against the Rebels. 



McKEE CONGRATULATED 275 

Considerable reinforcements expected to Canada this 
year. I am Sir your very humble Servant 

Henry Hamilton. 



[Jehu Hay to Alexander McKee. Source, same as preceding 
document, but fol. 15 — A. L. S.] 

Detroit, April 23rd 1778 
Sir — Permit me to congratulate you on your escape 
from Fort Pitt. I was in hopes last Fall of having 
the pleasure of seeing you, but your situation was such 
that I suppose put it out of your power to make the 
attempt. The bearer Edward HazeP^ sets off imme- 
diately to meet you, he tells me you desired him to 
bring you some refreshment which I should have been 
happy to send, but he goes by Land and says he can 
not carry any thing not so much as a Kegg of Wine, 
provision I hope you will not want as there is people 
at Sandusky, and the Miamee [Maumee] River who 
can and will supply you. I have given him a little Sil- 
ver Works & Vermillion^^ to purchase me a good 
Horse or two, but if you have the least occasion for 
them pray make use of them. I wait with impatience 



31 Edward Hazel was a Loyalist from the United States, 
who served for a time in Butler's rangers. After he was 
employed in the Indian department, he was frequently sent 
with messages and in 1782 visited the Cherokee to instigate 
them against the settlements. In 1783 he was discharged, but 
afterwards reemployed by the government as interpreter. He 
lived at Detroit until its evacuation by the British (1796), 
when he retired to Maiden. He was out in the War of 1812-15 
as leader of the Wyandot, and died in Amherstburg about 
1817. See Draper MSS., 17S215, 20S217, 221. — Ed. 

32 Articles much prized by the Indians, hence used as cur- 
rency in dealing with them. — Ed. 



276 FROXTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

your arrival, and asure you I am Sir With truth Your 

most Humble servant t tt 

Jehu Hay 



BOAT BUILDING 

[Col. George Morgan to Capt. Joseph Skelton. MS. in Car- 
negie Library, Pittsburgh ; George Morgan's Letter Book.] 

Fort Pitt April 24th. 1778. 
To Capf: Joseph Skelton, 

What follows being out of the particular Line of 
your Duty I must ask of you as a favour. The Boat 
Carpenters are to remove to this place and build the 
remainder of the Boats at the Point near my Redoubt 
or under the Council House. I shall therefore want 
you to hire of Major Smallman the little House where 
Miller lives for the use of the Carpenters and Sawyers 
for whom M'■^ Gibson^^ will cook. She is on that ace* : 
to draw Provisions with them. You can order them a 
Barrel of Salt Pork and Beef and a Barrel of Flour 
at a time and whenever there is fresh Meat you can 
give an order for what M'■^ Gibson may require of all 
which keep an Acc^ that I may be enabled to settle 
their Ration Acc*^. on my return. 

The Carpenters and Sawyers are to bring down in 
the Boats now preparing to be launch'd, all their Tools, 
Crooked Timber, Boards and Plank. The Crooked 
or other Timber which they may hereafter want, they 



33 Not the wife of Col. John Gibson, but of another John 
Gibson, a trader and laborer at Pittsburgh. He secured sup- 
plies at that place for George Rogers Clark, and several of 
his letters are among the Clark papers in the Wisconsin 
Historical Library. — Ed. 



BOAT BUILDING 277 

must cut either toward Elliott's Bullock Pens or 
General Hand's place, ^"^ paying the Owner of the Tim- 
ber a reasonable price. The Quarter Master must be 
applied to for Teams and for a Boat to transport 20M 
feet of Boards and plank (which I have purchased 
from Benjamin Kuykendall)^^ from the Mill to Fort 
Pitt which must be piled and stuck near my House to 
season. I would beg that this be done without delay. 
You must also hire a House or Boat Carpenter or two, 
or some other handy person to attend on the Carpen- 
ters, boil the Pitch, spin Oakum & pick up the loose 
Nails & Iron which may drop about the Yard. 

For this necessary purpose you may give good 
\\'ages to a sober careful handy Fellow. The neces- 
sary Articles which are to come up the Country for 
the building of Boats will be directed in my absence 
to your care. Write to me by every opportunity and 
you will oblige yours &c 

[George Morgan] 



3* On the map of original grants in Pittsburgh and environs, 
Col. W'lliam Elliott's "bullock pens" are located just north 
of the present Homewood Cemetery in Homewood addition. 
Hand's property was southeast of Chartier's Creek in a town- 
ship of that name. This information was kindly furnished 
by Harrison W. Craven, librarian of Carnegie Library, 
Pittsburgh. — Ed. 

35 Benjamin Kuykendall was an early resident of Pitts- 
burgh. In 1775 he was ordered by the county court to view 
a road; and the next year was chosen as one of the justices 
of the court, which he frequently attended. In 1780 he was 
sworn in as sheriff, and on Feb. 28 signed the record of the 
court — "Minute book of Yohogania County," in Carnegie 
Museum Annals, ii, no. 2, p. 401. — Ed. 



278 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

WESTERN EXPEDITIONS 

[General Pland to Gen. Horatio Gates. 3NN109, no — 
Transcript.] 

Fort Pitt, 24th April, 1778. 

Sir — Some time ago I did myself the honor to in- 
close you a letter from his Exc^ Gov*" Henry, Contain- 
ing a request to supply Col. G. R. Clark with several 
articles to fit him for a voyage down the Ohio river & 
rec^ your answer on the premises. Col. Clark has rec*^ 
from me everything he has yet desired — the remainder 
is ready at his call. 

I yesterday rec^ a letter from his Exc^ Making a 
Similar demand in favor of Col. David Rogers — a 
Copy of which I inclose. I make no doubt but Con- 
gress will think proper to direct that Col. Rogers may 
be furnished agreeable to the Governor's desire; tho' 
I can't think myself authorized to do it without their 
sanction. I must, however, beg leave to remark that 
in my present Situation, men, arms or lead cannot be 
Supplied. As Col. Rogers is not yet ready to pro- 
ceed, there will be time sufficient for Congress to com- 
municate their sentiments on this, or any future de- 
mands made by his Exc^ Gov"" Henry, without a pre- 
vious application to them. 

As the time of Col. Clark's departure is very uncer- 
tain, I am preparing to send Capt. O'Hara^^ with a 
detachment to the Arkansas with the provisions for 
Capt. Willing. * * * 

Desertion prevails here to a great degree. Since the 
18^*^ Jany last, 40 men have deserted from this small 
garrison; last night 14, the greatest number of them 



36 For this officer, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 253, note i. — Ed. 




General James O'Hara 
I<>om ^[a^y C. Darlington, Port Pitt (Pittsburgh, 1892) 



^ 



DESERTIONS 279 

of the guard, went off, & took with them Eleazer 
Davis, a prisoner formerly mentioned to the Board of 
War — & a party of the country people. I believe the 
Devil has possessed both the country and garrison. 
A command of 40 men & 4 officers were detached in 
pursuit of these deserters. 

Col. Russell of the 13*^ Virginia regiment has ar- 
rived here. He tells me that the remainder of his 
reg^ are destined for this place. I think it would be 
prudent to accelerate their march, otherwise our maga- 
zines both here & elsewhere may fall an easey prey. 

[Edward Hand] 

P. S. Except the murder of two children & capture 
of another within six or seven Miles of this place, 
the savages have confined their visits to the settle- 
ments on Dunkard & Muddy Creeks & Tiger's 
Valley. ^^ The militia lately abandoned one of their 
forts in Monongalia County, & left in it 9,000 ^^^ pork 
provided for their support, which was in a few days 
after the Evacuation set on fire & consumed with the 
provision. 



37 Tygart's Valley is on the east fork of the main Monon- 
gahela, chiefly in what is now Randolph County, W. Va. It 
received its name from its first settler, David Tygart, who 
was in 1753 driven from the valley by Indian depredations. 
This site was not permanently settled until 1772, for it was 
peculiarly exposed to Indian raids, the famous Shawnee and 
other trails passing through it. During the Revolution, it 
suffered seyeral times (1777, 1779-82), also in the later Indian 
war (1789, 1791). — Ed. 



280 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

SITUATION AT DETROIT 

[Gov. Henry Hamilton to Sir Guy Carleton. MS. in Canadian 

Archives; Series B, vol. 121, fol. 100-108 — Transcript. ]-^8 

Detroit 25 Ap. 1778. 

Sir — The last letter I had the honor of writing to 
your Excellency was dated January the 15th 1778. 

January the 26th. Some traders to Sandooski hav- 
ing given room for suspecting they were carrying on 
a correspondence with the Rebels, I ordered a search 
to be made for some papers of which I had had notice ; 
but though I was well assured that my suspicions were 
well grounded, they eluded the search ; however, upon 
examining the goods carryed out and comparing them 
with the Invoices, a considerable quantity was found 
for which a pass had not been asked. The offenders 
were fined to the extent prescribed by the Ordinance 
of Quebec. 

January the 30th. John Montour (formerly men- 
tioned to Your Excellency) decoyed out of the settle- 
ment three Virginians (Prisoners) designing to have 
carried them to Fort Pitt. Some Indians who met 
them a few leagues off and suspected that they were 
fugitives, gave me notice of it and a party of Volun- 
teers with an Indian Officer and some Savages were 
sent after them, who took and brought them all in, 
they had prepared arms and meant to have stood 
on the defensive, but were surprised and bound. 
Montour, at the earnest sollicitations of a number of 
chiefs of different nations, was set at liberty after 



38 A transcript of this document was made for Dr. Draper 
by the late Dr. Douglas Brymner, and is found in Draper 
MSS., 11C96. — Ed. 



AT DETROIT 281 

some weeks' confinement, the others, having made so 
bad a use of the indulgence shown them, remain in 
irons. The Indians were highly pleased at their re- 
quest being granted. The prisoners are to be sent 
down by the first vessel. 

March the 7th. Lieutenant Governor Abbot with 
his family arrived from Ft Vincennes, from his report 
of the state of the post, I am humbly of opinion it 
must be impossible for the Ouabasha Indians to be 
kept in order without a vast expense in presents or 
the presence of some troops. Indeed in all these Posts 
where the French had settled a trade and intercourse 
with the Savages, an Officer's presence with troops is 
much wanted, for the minds of the Indians in remote 
posts are poisoned by the falsehoods and misrepre- 
sentations of the French. As to the Indians of the 
Ouabash, they have been out of the way of knowing 
the power of the English and from a presumption of 
their own importance will be arrogant and trouble- 
some. Monsieur de Celoron^^ writes me word from 



39 One of the sons of Pierre Joseph Celoron, former com- 
mandant of Detroit; see a list of the latter's sons in Mich. 
Pion. & Hist. Colls., xxxiv, p. SSS- Celoron junior had been 
sent by Hamilton to command at the village known as 
Otiiatanon, situated on the Wabash two or three miles below 
the site of the present Lafayette. There had been a French 
fort at this place, which was destroyed in Pontiac's Con- 
spiracy (1763). It had now grown up to be a small village. 
Its importance lay in the fact that it commanded the water 
route from Detroit to Vincennes. After the capture of the 
latter place in 1778, by troops sent by George Rogers Clark, 
a small detachment was sent to occupy Ouiatanon, whereupon 
its commandant, Sieur de Celoron, hastily retreated. Hamilton 
later claimed that Celoron was in sympathy with the American 
troops, and had a "brother in the Rebel service." See ///. 
Hist. Colls., i, pp. 336, 351-353, 359-— Ed. 



282 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Ouiattanong, that some parties to the number of 50 
men, partly Quigeboes, Mascoitainges & Ouiatta- 
nongs/*^ are gone to war toward the Ohio, their 
success is not yet known. I have sent him some am- 
munition and arms & to gratify those among them who 
behave well. All parties going to war are exhorted to 
act with humanity as the means of securing a sincere 
peace when His Majesty shall be pleased to order the 
Hatchet to be buried. 

March nth. One hundred and twenty five war- 
riors, Mingoes, Shawanese & Delawares with a num- 
ber of wives & children came to this place, they have 
accepted War Belts and I believe are too well con- 
vinced of the inability of the Virginians to do them 
either much good or much harm, not to be sincere. 
The Mingoes delivered me a young boy, whose father 
they had killed. 

29th. John Turney arrived from Quebec. He 
brought a Belt sent by Colonel Butler*^ addressed to 
the Lake Indians and all the Western Nations from 
the Six Nations, by which they declare their resolu- 
tion to support Government and revenge themselves, 
desiring all the nations of the Confederacy to act as 
one man — thanking them at the same time for the 
zeal and spirit with which they acted last year. 

April the ist. Forty Shawanese arrived having four 
prisoners, whom they delivered to me soon after. 



40 Kickapoo, Mascoutin, and Ouiatanon (Wea) Indians; 
see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 3, note 8. These tribes all dwelt near 
Ouiatanon settlement. — Ed. 

41 Lieut. John Turney was in 1782 commandant at San- 
dusky. 

For Col. John Butler, see Ibid, p. 152, note 67. — Ed. 



AT DETROIT 283 

April the 5th. Mr. Charles Baubin who acts at the 
Miamis*^ came in from a scout — not having been able 
to prevail on the Miamis to act with spirit. He with a 
young man named Lorimier*^ engaged four score 
Shawanese from Tchelacase and Pecori** to go toward 
the Fort on Kentuck River, east of the Ohio into 
which it discharges directly opposite the great Minea- 
mis or Rocky River. The Fort is about 30 miles from 
the mouth. The number of men in it about 80. Here 
they had the good fortune to make prisoners Captain 
Daniel Boone, with 26 of his men, whom they brought 
off with their arms without killing or losing a man. 
The savages could not be prevailed on to attempt the 
Fort [Boonesborough], which by means of their pris- 
oners might have been easily done with success. 
These Shawanese delivered up four of their prisoners 
to me; but took Boone with them expecting by his 
means to effect something. By Boone's account, the 
people on the frontiers have been so incessantly har- 
rassed by parties of Indians they have not been able 
to sow grain ; and at Kentucke will not have a morsel 
of bread by the middle of June. Cloathing is not to be 
had, nor do they expect relief from the Congress — 



42 Charles Beaubien belonged to a prominent Detroit family, 
and was official interpreter and acting commandant at Fort 
Miami and the Miami village on the site of the present Fort 
Wayne. He was accused by Hamilton (1778-79) of collusion 
with the Americans, but succeeded in clearing himself. In 
1780 he resisted the attack of Mottin de la Balme (see Wis. 
Hist. Colls., xviii, p. 416, note 23). He married the widow of 
Chief Richardville, but left no descendants. — Ed. 

43 For a sketch of this person, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 144, 
note 49. The given name should be Louis, not Peter. — Ed. 

4* Chillicothe and Piqua Indian towns, for which see Ibid, 
PP- 15. 57> notes 30 and 87 respectively. — Ed. 



284 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

their dilemma will probably induce them to trust to 
the savages, who have shewn so much humanity to 
their prisoners & come to this place before winter. 

The Placarts from this place having found their way 
among the inhabitants & one in particular signed by 
several Prisoners who were saved by the Indians, was 
seen in the hands of Mr. Morgan at Fort Pitt, who 
refused to let it be public; however, I believe he will 
[not] be able to keep up his credit much longer. 

April the 20th, Edward Hazle (who had under- 
taken to carry a letter from me to the Moravian Min- 
ister at Kushayhking)*^ returned having executed his 
commission. He brought me a letter & newspaper 
from Mr. McKee who was Indian agent for the Crown 
and has been a long time in the hands of the Rebels 
at Fort Pitt, at length has found means to make his 
escape with three other men, two of the name of Girty 
(mentioned in Lord Dunmore's list) [an] Interpreter 
and Matthew Elliott, the young man who was last 
summer sent down from this place a prisoner. This 
last person I am informed has been at New York since 
he left Quebec, and probably finding the change in 
affairs unfavorable to the Rebels, has slipped away to 
make his peace here. 

23rd. Hazle went off again to conduct them all safe 
thro' the village, having a letter and Wampum for that 
purpose. Alexander McKee is a man of good char- 
acter, and has great influence with the Shawanese is 
well acquainted with the country & can probably give 
some usefull intelligence, he will probably reach this 



45 David Zeisberger at Coshocton ; see Ibid, p. 45, note 
71.— Ed. 



AT DETROIT 285 

place in a few days. In his letter to me dated Kushay- 
king April 4th he mentions that no expeditions of any 
consequence can be undertaken by the Virginians from 
Fort Pitt thro' the Delaware villages, hitherward ; but 
that they meditated some attempt against the villages 
upon French Creek (Riviere au Boeuf) and that he 
had information from some Delawares that six hun- 
dred men were to set out on that design the 8th of 
April, but that the savages being forewarned their 
scheme must fail. 

I have written to Col^ Bolton^^ to acquaint him & 
Col'. Butler of this as also that a party from Fort Pitt 
had fallen on a Delaware village & killed or carried off 
eight persons; but that unfortunately for the Rebels, 
they had struck in the wrong place & have sent back 
two squaws who were prisoners to atone for their 
error. 

25th of April. Governor Abbott communicated 
to me the following extract of a letter from Mr. 



46 Lt. Col. Mason Bolton of the 34th Royal artillery had 
seen much service in America, having campaigned in Florida 
and the West Indies, and at one time been at Mackinac and 
the Illinois. In 1777 he was placed in charge of the important 
post at Niagara, being occupied not only with forwarding 
supplies but with controlling and propitiating the Indians, 
chiefly of the Six Nations. The best account of his conduct 
of the post at Niagara is to be found in Frank H. Severance, 
Old Trails upon the Niagara Frontier (Buffalo, 1909), 
pp. 63-106. Bolton was at his own request relieved of duty 
at Niagara, and left there late in October, 1780, on the vessel 
"Ontario", which foundered in the lake of the same name, all 
on board perishing. — Ed. 



286 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

de Rocheblave to one Bosseron*' at St. Vincennes 
dated Feby. 28th. 78 : 

Par un deserteur^^ arrive dti Fort Pitt nous avons apris 
que le Peuple de Philadelphie ayant secoue le joug du Con- 
gres avait leve la chaine qui empechoit les vaisseaux du Roi 
de venir et avoit par ce moyen rentre sous I'obeissance de sa 
Majeste. Que le Congres avoit fui precipittament vers les 
Montagues apres I'entiere deroute de son armee que le peuple 
soupirant ardemment apres la paix pour sortir de la plus 
affreuse misere et que les chefs des troubles sauvoient leurs 
effets par la route de Fort Pitt. 

Un batteau descendant de ce dit Fort a pris les Sieurs 
Becquets et leur pacquets. M^ La Chence^s a subi le meme 



47 P'hillippe Frangois Rastel, Sieur de Rocheblave, was born 
in France and served for a time in the army. Coming to 
New France about 1750 he entered the colonial army as a 
cadet, and was employed about Fort Duquesne and on the 
Illinois frontier. At the close of the war he retired to Kas- 
kaskia, and was there married in 1763. Later he crossed the 
river, and was for a time connected with the Spanish govern- 
ment at Ste. Genevieve. In 1776, the last British officer who 
retired from Kaskaskia left Sieur de Rocheblave in command, 
but without a garrison or any support. July 4, 1778, he was 
captured by George Rogers Clark and sent a prisoner to 
Virginia. There he evaded his parole, and returned to the 
British at New York. He finally retired to Lower Canada, 
where he died in 1802 at Varennes. 

Frangois Bosseron was one of the most prominent citizens 
of Vincennes and was enrolled in the British militia forces. 
On the approach of the Americans he gave them his enthusi- 
astic support and took office under Clark. He acted with 
Capt. Leonard Helm in the Wabash expedition (i779)> and 
furnished ammunition for the invading army. He was later 
district commandant and territorial judge, dying at Vincennes 
in 1791 and being buried in the churchyard. A street in 
Vincennes still bears his name. — Ed. 

48 The name of this deserter was Henry Butler, from 
Pennsylvania; see his examination in ///. Hist. Colls., i, 
PP- 304-306.— Ed. 

49 Jean Baptiste and Charles Becquets were traders at 
Cahokia — see letter of Morgan, post. Nicolas Caillot dit 
Lachanse was a prominent citizen of Kaskaskia, and reputed 
to be an especial friend of Rocheblave. These captures were 
made by Willing's boat — see Chicago Historical Society 
Collections, iv, p. 402. Lachanse was absent from Kaskaskia 



AT DETROIT 287 

sort avec son eaii de vie, quoiqne les colons n'ayent jamais 
regu de deplaisir de ce pays preiive bien certaine qu'ils le 
menageroient peu, s'il y parvenoient en force. Certains bruits 
qui courent de la mauvaise disposition des sauvages m 'en- 
gagent a parler au chefs des loups. 

Je vous prie si vous etes a porte de les engager a me venir 
voir.50 

This letter of Mr. Rocheblave explains in part the 
accounts given by the Delawares of parties forming 
for Riviere au Boeuf, which can only be calculated to 
draw off the attention of the Delawares from the lower 
part of the Ohio. I shall if possible lay a bar in the 
way of the communication to N. Orleans. Your Ex- 
cellency's orders and instructions which I am in hourly 
expectation of receiving by Mr. LaMothe^^ will be my 
guide for my conduct. 



at the time of its capture by Clark. He was judge in 1779 
and again in 1787, retiring soon after to the Spanish side of 
the Mississippi. See ///. Hist. Colls., v, p. 50, note 7. — Ed. 

50 Translation : By a deserter arrived from Fort Pitt we 
have been informed that the people of Philadelphia having 
shaken off the yoke of Congress had removed the chain that 
prevented the King's ships from getting in and had thus re- 
turned to obedience to His Majesty. But Congress had fled 
precipitately toward the mountains, after the complete rout 
of its army and that the people were sighing earnestly after 
peace, to escape the most frightful miseries, and that the 
chiefs of the troubles were saving their effects by way of 
Fort Pitt. 

A batteau coming down from this Fort has taken the 
Sieurs Becquets and their peltries; Mr. La Chence has met 
the same fate with his brandy although the settlers [of Ken- 
tucky] never received any ill treatment from this Country. 
This is a very good evidence of the manner in which they 
would act, if they should reach there in large numbers. Cer- 
tain rumours current as to the bad disposition of the Indians 
led me to speak to the chief (or chiefs) of the Loups 
[Delawares]. 

I request if 3^ou are in a position to do so, to induce them 
to come and see me. 

51 Guillaume la Mothe was a French Canadian who entered 
the British service. Born about 1744, he was in 1767 a trader 



288 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

25th April 1778. Mr. LaMothe not yet arrived. 

A Huron of that band settled at Lorette named 
datahyjas has been lately at Fort Pitt and says Mr. 
Bentley^- supplied ammunition &c. to the Rebels, he 
also confirms the reports of the intercourse between 
the Spaniards and the Virginian delegates. 



in the neighborhood of Detroit. At the outbreak of the 
Revolution he was in New England; whence he retired to 
Quebec and soon returned to Detroit, where in 1777 he be- 
came captain of a scouting party. Apparently he was in 
Quebec when this letter was written. The next autumn, as 
captain of militia, he accompanied Hamilton to Vincennes, 
where he was captured (1779) and sent prisoner to Virginia. 
There he was kept in close confinement until exchanged 
(1781). The following year found him at Detroit. In 1792 
he was appointed interpreter at Mackinac, until removed from 
that position in November, 1795. He retired with the British 
to St. Joseph Island (1796), where he died in 1799. — Ed. 

5- Thomas Bentley was a prominent merchant of Kaskaskia 
during the British period, having come to that place from 
London and West Florida. In 1777 he married into a French 
family, and in the autumn of that year was arrested at 
Mackinac by order of Governor Hamilton, who accused him 
of furnishing supplies to American boats. He was detained 
prisoner in Canada until 1780, when he managed to escape, 
and by August was in the West. His letters prove his treach- 
ery and double dealing, trying to keep in touch with British 
and American officials at the same time — see ///. Hist. Colls., 
V, passim. In 1783 Bentley went to Virginia to settle his ac- 
counts, and appears to have died in Richmond. John Dodge 
w^as his partner, and the executor of his estate. — Ed. 



IGNORANCE OF SPANISH 289 

RELATIONS WITH SPANIARDS 

[Col. George Morgan to Governor Galvez. MS. in Carnegie 
Library, Pittsburgh ; George Morgan's Letter Book.] 

Fort Pitt April 26th. 1778. 
To His Excellency Don Bernardo De Galvez Governor 

General of Louisiana^^ 

Sir — On the 24th. of February I had the honor to 
receive your Letter dated the 9th. of August last. Not 
having the happiness to understand the Spanish Lan- 
guage I immediately transmitted your Letter by Ex- 
press to Congress — but unfortunately not a Member 
of that Body understands it nor has any Person been 
yet found capable & worthy of Trust to translate it. 
Wherefore his Excellency the President has directed 
me to present his Compliments to you, he laments 
this disappointment and will do himself the honor to 
write to you the moment he can procure a translation 
of your Excellency's Letter. 

Should you do Congress the honour to write to 
them, or should you again favour me, I would beg 
leave to solicit your Indulgence by requesting you to 
do it in English or in French, in which we can be at 



53 Bernardo de Galvez, governor-general of Louisiana, was 
born in Spain in 1756; his father was long viceroy of Mexico; 
his uncle, Jose de Galvez, was a minister of state. In 1777 
Bernardo arrived in New Orleans. He married a French 
Creole, and was very popular with his subjects. His sympa- 
thies with the Americans were keen, and he supplied them 
with munitions of war. During the war between Spain and 
Great Britain, Galvez energetically took the offensive and cap- 
tured the English forts at Manchac, Baton Rouge, Natchez, 
and Mobile. In 1781 he made a brilliant campaign against 
Pensacola, which fell into his hands. Upon the death of his 
father (1785), Galvez became Mexican viceroy in his stead, 
which office he held until his own demise in 1794. — Ed. 

19 



290 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

no loss, and least Congress may not procure an Inter- 
preter for your late Letter, your causing it to be trans- 
lated into English or French and transmitted by the 
first opportunity will be gratefully accepted as a very 
polite Condesension and particular favour. 

I send this by the Boats which go to meet Cap^: 
Willing, and as it may be acceptable to you to be in- 
form'd of the particular occurrences of the War since 
the date of my Letter in April 1777, and of the present 
situation of our Affairs I take the liberty to give you a 
short detail thereof.^^ 

If I can hereafter contribute to your amusement or 

information, I will do myself the honor. I am with 

very great Respect Sir, Your very obedient & most 

humble serv*: 

[George Morgan] 



[Col. George Morgan to Francisco Cruzat. Source, same as 
preceding document.] 

To Don Francisco Cruzat Esquire Commanding for 
his most Catholic Majesty at Sf: Louis, Illinois. ^^ 
Sir — The 24th. of February I had the honor to re- 
ceive your Letter of the 19th. of November last, with 



^4 The portion omitted recounts the events of the Revolu- 
tion during 1777. — Ed. 

55 Col. Francisco Cruzat was a Spanish army officer, who 
in 1775 was appointed governor of Spanish Illinois, with 
headquarters at St. Louis. In 1778 he was superseded by 
Francisco de Leyba, whom Clark (July, 1778) found in com- 
mand at that place. Upon De Leyba's death (1780), Cruzat 
was again returned to St. Louis and remained in command 
until Nov. 27, 1787. He was a popular and efficient adminis- 
trator, and in sympathy with the Americans. — Ed. 



IGNORANCE OF SPANISH 291 

one inclosed from Don Bernardo De Galvez Governor 
of Louisiana. 

Being ignorant of the Spanish Language I imme- 
diately transmitted his Excellency the Governor's Let- 
ter by Express to Congress — But unhappily not a 
Member of that Body understands it, nor has any Per- 
son been yet found capable to translate the Letter. 
This has been the occasion of my not having done my- 
self the pleasure of answering your Letter till now. 

As several Boats are shortly to leave this for New 
Orleans I shall do myself the honor to forward by 
them such Dispatches as may arrive for his Excellency 
the Governor. 

During the time of waiting the orders of Congress, 
I had occasion to send a Messenger to the Delaware 
Nation — Michael the Huron, offering his services, I 
employ'd him, and I am sorry to inform you, that he 
is taken Prisoner by some of his own Nation and a 
Party of English who were employ'd by the Com- 
mandant of Detroit and carried to that Post. I how- 
ever hope he will be very speedily released, and more 
especially as he is a subject of Spain, and was em- 
ploy'd on a mere friendly Message to the Delawares. 

I have paid to Baptist Bequette the ballance due to 
himself & Michael as stated in the within Account and 
have paid all their Expences during their detention 
here, which on my part was unavoidable. 

You may be assured Sir, that nothing but the want 
of hard money has induced me to settle the account in 
the manner I have done. I must also make the same 
apology for giving Michael a Bill of Exchange last 



292 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

year on Mess^"*: Winston & Kennedy at Kaskaskias.^^ 
I am indeed much mortified at that Bill not having 
been paid, although those Gentlemen have very consid- 
erable sums of mine in their hands. I impute their 
conduct to their fears of Mons"": Rochblave who I am 
told has been too severe with others who are deemed 
Friends to the Americans. 

This reason I expect will now be removed & I doubt 
not but my draft will be punctually paid. 



56 Winston and Kennedy were merchants at Kaskaskia, and 
about this time acted as Morgan's agents. Richard Winston 
was a Virginian, at one time sheriff of Orange County, who 
was trading in the Western country at the time of the French 
cession. When Pontiac's War broke out (1763) he was at 
the fort at Ouiatanon, where he was robbed of £2400 worth 
of goods. In compensation he was granted 1200 shares in the 
Indiana Company, and entered the Illinois region as soon as 
British traders could be protected. In 1766 he accompanied 
an expedition to Kaskaskia; see Jennings's "Journal", in 
Pa. Hist. Magazine, xxxi, p. 145. His sympathies were with 
the American cause, and Clark appointed him captain in his 
forces; see ///. Hist. Colls., v, p. 47. The succeeding year 
he was chosen sheriff by John Todd, and when the latter left 
the Illinois, Winston was appointed deputy lieutenant-gov- 
ernor. In this capacity he had difficulties both with the mili- 
tary authorities and with the French inhabitants, and in 1782 
abolished the civic court that Todd had established. The 
following year he went to Richmond to have his claims set- 
tled ; and after spending eighteen months in fruitlessly en- 
deavoring to arrange with the government, he died in poverty 
in the autumn of 1784. The council endorsed his claims as 
"reasonable" (Draper MSS., 11S150), but it does not appear 
that they were ever paid. In 1786 his wife was reported to 
be reduced from affluence to indigence {Ibid, 4J35-38). 
Consult also ///. Hist. Colls., ii, v, passim. 

Patrick Kennedy went to the Illinois country in 1766 as a 
batteau man. He succeeded in his business ventures and 
became one of the merchants of Kaskaskia. In 1773 he made 
a journey up the Illinois in search of copper mines. Clark 
appointed him deputy commissary, in which capacity he was 
still acting in 1781. — Ed. 



IGNORANCE OF SPANISH 293 

Notwithstanding I am so unhappy as to be totally 
ignorant of the Spanish Language, & my long want of 
Practice in the French, puts it out of my power to 
comply with your desire, by writing in one of those 
Tongues, I cannot forego the pleasure of communi- 
cating to you, in English, the very happy situation of 
our Affairs, compared to the state the World might 
have expected to have seen them by this time. Indeed 
our success has exceeded our most sanguine expecta- 
tions; and by the blessing of God we now have the 
happy Certainty of securing to ourselves and to our 
Posterity the inestimable blessings of Peace, Liberty 
and Safety.^^ 



CONGRESS PLANS FOR THE WEST 

[Resolutions of Congress. 4NN69, 70 — Transcript.] 

In Congress, May 2^, 1778 
Resolved — That two Regiments be Raised in Vir- 
ginia & Pennsylvania to serve for one Year unless 
sooner discharg'd by Congress, for the Protection & 
operation on the Western Frontiers, twelve Companies 
in Virginia and four in Pennsylvania, each Non- 
Commission'd Officer & Soldier to Receive twenty 
Dollars Bounty, and same Clothing with the Other 
Continental Soldiers. Every non-Commission'd Offi- 
cer & Soldier who shall find his own Blanket, Musquet 
or Riffle & Accutrements shall have the same Allow- 
ance given by Congress to the Draughts from the 
Militia for filling up the Continental Regiments. 



57 What follows is a repetition of that written to Galvez; 
see ante, p. 290, note 54. — Ed. 



294 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

That Brigadier General Hand be recalled from his 
Command on the Western Frontier, agreeable to his 
request. 

That a proper Officer be immediately sent to take 
the Command on the Western Frontier. 

That a proper Person be appointed to perform the 
Duties of Quarter Master, Commissary & Pay Master 
to the Militia of Rockingham, Augusta, Rockbridge, 
Botetourt, Montgomery, Washington, & Green Brier 
in Virginia. 

That the Commissioners at Fort [Pitt], or in their 
Absence, the Officer appointed to Command on the 
Western Frontiers, be Authorised to appoint a Person 
to perform the Duties aforesaid, & the Officers neces- 
sary for Commanding the Battalions above Mentioned. 

That General Washington be desired to appoint the 
Officer to take the Command at Fort Pitt, and that a 
Copy of the Commissioner's Letter be sent to the 
General. Extracts from the Minutes. 

Charles Thomson Sec. 



SCOUTING PARTY ON THE FRONTIER 

[Andrew Robinson to Gen. Edward Hand. 2U17 — A. L. S.] 
Fort Henry May the 15th 1778. 

Sir — Agreeable to Order I waited on Captain 

Ritchey^^ who informs me that he will furnish me with 



58 Either Matthew or Craig Ritchie, brothers from Glasgow, 
Scotland, who emigrated to America in 1772 and settled in 
what is now Washington County. 

In 1778 Matthew was chosen sheriff of Yohogania County, 
and in 1781 sub-lieutenant of the county. He was in the state 
legislature, 1782-84; and was justice and deputy-surveyor of 
Washington County, dying near the borough of Washington 
in 1798. 



A FRONTIER SCOUT 295 

the necessary quantities of Flour till all the wheat on 
hand is Ground and will deliver the Same at the Cove 
at any time after date. I have informed the com- 
manding Officer at Fort Henry (Cap*" Hutton) he 
Seems to dread Sending up the River but will I hope 
Comply. 

a Difficulty in Kegs and bags I shall endeavour to 
Remedy. I have about 500 Bushels of Indian Corn on 
hand in this Neighbourhood which I shall have 
Ground this Meal with what we shall get from M"" 
Richey will be Sufficient till a greater Supply can be 
had from some other Quarter of which I shall if not 
Possible to furnish give timely Notice. 

Sir I have Received a line from Col° M'^Farland of 
Monongahela County desiring me to Suply a Detach- 
ment From Said County engaged for 3 Months Ser- 
vice having Receved a bounty of 20 dollars and up- 
wards each 59 men of which are Now lying at the 
Confluence of Fish Creek and are to be Augmented to 
150 in 2 weeks. They have out Spyes on both Sides 
of the River and observe the most Profound Silence 
Sending out the Spies in the Night and as they find 
the Place has been much frequented in the enemys 
Crossing they entertain hopes of intercepting them.^^ 
When their Number is Compleat they Purpose to Re- 
coniture Down the River as far as Middle Island 



Craig Ritchie was a captain of militia, and in that capacity 
was out with Crawford in 1782; Ritchie settled in Canons- 
burg and became a prominent merchant. He served in the 
legislature, 1793-95, and died in 1833. — Ed. 

°9 For the pay-roll of this company of scouts, see post, 
p. 305.— Ed. 



296 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

Creek®'^ and Place themselves as they shall deem best 
either in Large or Smaller Parties as they find the dis- 
position of the enemy and their safety may best Suit. 

Sir I give this intelligence in Substance as I Re- 
ceived it of M'" John Maddison^^ Liu^ who Came up 
with CoP M'^Farlands Letter. Cap^" John Wheetsell 
commands The Party.®^ 

^^V If I can Serve the Publick or your honor 
Please to Command me by a Line with the bearer and 
find a Ready Compliance from your Humble and obe- 
dient Servant 

And^ Robinson^^ 

P. S. a party coming up from Fish Creek for meal 



60 For this locality, see Rev. Upper Ohio, p. 213, 
note 55-— Ed. 

61 John Madison Jr. was the son of the person noted in 
Dunmore's War, p. 280, note 98, The younger John lived in 
Monongalia County, and was ensign of this company of 
scouts. In 1780 he obtained a commission as surveyor of the 
county, and continued his surveys until his untimely death, 
late in 1783 or early in 1784. See his letters and those of his 
brothers concerning him, in Draper MSS., 5ZZ74-79. — Ed. 

62 Capt. John Wetzel was born in Switzerland, about 1733. 
Migrating to America with his parents when he was seven 
years old, he settled in Rockingham County, where were born 
his well-known sons, Martin, Lewis, Jacob, George, and John. 
About 1769 he removed to the West and settled on Wheeling 
Creek, nearly fourteen miles above its mouth. Probably dur- 
ing the Indian troubles of 1774, he removed his family to the 
Monongahela, while himself acting with Dunmore as a scout. 
At the close of this war, he returned to his home on Wheeling 
Creek and for some time was captain of a ranger company. 
In 1777 his sons Lewis and Jacob were captured, but suc- 
ceeded in escaping. Martin was taken in April, 1778, and was 
with the Shawnee two years and four months. Capt. John 
Wetzel was killed in the summer of 1786 or 1787 while trap- 
ping alone near the mouth of Captina Creek; see Draper 
MSS., 2E8-10, 24S46, 8NN25.— Ed. 

63 Andrew Robinson seems to have been a trader and officer 
of militia, resident in Pittsburgh during 1779-81. — Ed. 



Mcintosh to succeed hand 297 

Tracked two Indians but a few minutes before them 

as a Shower of Rain convinced them &c. 

A. R. 

To His Excellency, General Edward Hand. 



NEWS OF THE FRENCH ALLIANCE 

[George Morgan to Gen. Edward Hand. 2U18 — A. L. S.] 
York Town [Pa.] May 16*1^ 1778. 

Dear Sir — Long live his Most Christian Majesty. 
I congratulate you on the Certainty of our alliance 
with him, on the respective Ambassadors of Brittain 
& France being recalled &c &c &c. The particulars of 
all which the Papers I have directed M'" Boreman to 
deliver to you with this, will fully inform you. 

The Appointment of an Officer to succeed you was 
referred by Congress to his Excellency General 
Washington who has named General M*^Intosh^* who 



64 Gen. Lachlan Mcintosh was born in 1725 in the Scotch 
Highlands. When he was eleven years of age his father emi- 
grated with his family to Georgia, and became the agent of 
the Georgia trustees for the Highland settlement of New 
Inverness. In wars with the Spaniards, the elder Mcintosh 
was captured and sent prisoner to Spain ; he returned broken 
in health and soon died. The sons were educated by their 
mother. At the time of the Scotch uprising in behalf of the 
Pretender (1745), Lachlan and his elder brother attempted 
to return home; but were prevented by the authority of 
General Oglethorpe. Lachlan spent much of his youth in 
Charleston as a protege of Henry Laurens, who had a warm 
friendship for him. Having married, Mcintosh returned to 
Georgia, and on the outbreak of the Revolution was called 
upon to head the colony troops. Their first engagement with 
British men-of-war at Savannah was successful, and brought 
their colonel into notice, so that he was chosen (September, 
1776) a brigadier-general in the Continental army, in com- 
mand in Georgia. An unhappy political and personal dispute 
with Button Gwinnett, signer of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, led to a duel in which the latter was slain. Laurens 
then requested Washington to call General Mcintosh to the 



298 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

is expected to arrive here tomorrow on his way to Fort 

Pitt. M*"^ Hand was well at Lancaster last Monday. I 

did not then know of this Opportunity or I would have 

informed her of it. I am Dear Sir Your very obedient 

hum^ Servant ^ ,^ 

Geo. Morgan 

To Genl Edward Hand 



[John Campbell to Col. George Rogers Clark. 48J22 — 
A. L. S.] 

Pittsburgh, June 8^^ 1778. 
Gentlemen — As the Opportunitys from the Seat 
of War and Congress into your Country is so very 
seldom & the late Accounts from Europe are so inter- 
esting I can not refrain from communicating them to 
you tho I am necessitated to be concise the bounds of 
a letter not admiting of any thing more. 



main army, which he joined in the autumn of 1777 and passed 
the winter at Valley Forge. Washington had a high opinion 
of Mcintosh's military ability, and he knew of his acquaint- 
ance with the Indian character from long association with the 
tribesmen on the Georgia frontier ; he therefore chose him 
in May, 1778, to relieve Hand at Fort Pitt. Mcintosh reached 
that place early in August, and took the aggressive. He moved 
into the Indian country with Continental troops and militia, 
and in October built Fort Mcintosh on Beaver Creek. The 
same autumn. Fort Laurens was built near the Delaware 
towns on the Tuscarawa. The next spring Mcintosh was 
recalled from Fort Pitt at his own request. The war in 
Georgia necessitated his return thither, where he participated 
efifectively in the siege of Savannah, wherein he was wounded. 
Later he joined Lincoln at Charleston, and was captured 
when that city surrendered. At the close of the Revolution, 
General Mcintosh returned to Georgia to find his property 
ruined by British incursions. He served one term in Con- 
gress (1784), but his latter years were passed in obscurity. 
He died at Savannah, Feb. 20, 1806. — Ed. 



3 S 



n 







tv 



i,' 







r 

^9 



Oo 



THE FRENCH ALLIANCE 299 

The 26th of May last we Celebrated the Joyfull 
News here with the Discharge of Thirteen Pieces of 
Canon and a Tripple discharge of Musquetry. 

On or about Christmas Eve last Two Treaty s were 
concluded between the Plenipotentiary of the United 
States of America & The French King whereby the 
French King cedes all North America & the Bermudas 
Islands to the United States of America and declares 
their Independence will Trade with them and protect 
their Trade. The Americans are under no restrictions 
whatever except they shall not return to their Depend- 
ence On Great Brittain these matters are made 
known to the British Court by the French Ambassa- 
dor the Consequence is that Brittain has recalled 
her Ambassador from France and Ordered him 
Home. Therefore we daylay expect to hear of War 
being Declared between the two powers and conse- 
quently we must assist France. Lord North has 
moved for Conciliatory Methods with America and 
two Acts of Parliment are passed, one suspending 
several Acts of Parliment or rather explaining the 
right of Taxation in America & the Other Appointing 
Commissioners to Treat with the Americans both of 
which according to the way they are now understood 
by us will be rejected with the Comtempt they deserve. 

General How is said to be on the Wing from Phila- 
delphia and I hope to have the pleasure of informing 
you soon that there is not a British Soldier except 
Prisoners on any part of the Continent of America. 
M^ Wells is just waiting he can inform you of some 



300 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 

of the particulars of these glad Tidings to whom I 

must refer you & am Your Hum^ Serv^ 

John Campbell. 

Col. George Rogers Clark In His Absence to the Inhabitans 
of Kentucky. 

MUSTER ROLLS 

[1SS67.] 
A List of Effects Lost of Sundry Soldiers of 
Captain William Formans Company of Hampshire 
County Volunteers appraised by Lieutenant Anthony 
Miller & Ensign David Wilson officers of s<^ : Com- 
pany Being duely Qualify^ for that Purpose 

1 Captain William Forman a Rifle Gun . . £11" 5" 
Shotpoutch & horn 10/ pocket Compas 5/ . . 00'' 15" 

a Blanket i" 17" 6 

2 Edward Peterson a Rifle Gun 11" S" 

Shotpoutch & horn 10/ Blanket 30/ ... . 2" o" 

3 Benjamin Powel a Rifle Gun 12" 10" 

a Blanket 1/ 17.6 shotpoutch & horn 2/ 6 . . 3" 

4 Hambleton Forman a Rifle Gun 11" 5" 

one Blanket 30/ shotpoutch & horn 10/ ... 2" 0" 

5 James Green a Rifle Gun 10" i" 

a Blanket 37/6 i" 17" 6 

6 John Wilsons a Rifle Gun 10" 0" 

shotpoutch & horn 7/ 6 Blanket 22/ 6 . . . i" 10" 

7 Jacob Pew a Rifle Gun 8" 15" 

Shotpoutch & horn 10/ Blanket 18/9 . . . i" 18" 9 

8 Isaac Harna a Rifle Gun 12" 10" 

shotpoutch & horn 10/ Blanket 37/ 6 , . . . 2" 7" 6 

9 Robert McGrew a Blanket 22/6 i" 2" 6 

10 Elisha Shivers a Blanket 22/6 i" 2" 6 



MUSTER ROLLS 



301 



l" 17" 


6 


l" 2" 


6 


l" 2" 


6 


l" 10" 


l" 10" 


l" 2" 


6 


l" 2" 


6 


l" 17" 


6 



11 Henry Riser a Blanket 37/6 . . . 

12 Bartholomew Niney a Blanket 22/6 

13 Anthony Miller a Blanket 22/6 

14 Jno; Vincint a Blanket 30/ 

15 Soloman Jones a D°. 30/ 

16 William Ingle a D^ : 22/6 

17 Nathan Forman a D^. 22/6 

18 Abraham Powel a D^. yil ^ 

19 Sami Lowry a Blanket 30/ 
Sami Johnston a Rifle Gun 
Shotpoutch & horn 10/ Blanket 22/ 6 

We the Subscribers do hereby Certify That the 

within specify^, appraisements are Just & true to the 

Best of our Judgments & that the several articles were 

lost in the late unhappy Defeat near M'^Mechen's 

Narrows on the 27^^ of Septemb'^: 1777 as witness 

hands this 3^^. of octobr*". 1777 

Anthony Miller Lieut 

David Wilson Ensgn 

Sworn Before me David Shepherd A List of the Loses 
in Capt Formans Company 



I 10 

7" 10" 
i" 12" 6 



[Additional names of men in Foreman's company, mentioned 
in Draper MSS., as indicated in press-mark following each 
name :] 

Killed: Capt. William Foreman [2S280] ; Hamilton Fore- 
man [2S280] ; George Avery [37J25] ; Thomas Brazier 
[2S97; 3S3; 37J2S] ; Hugh Clark [37J25] ; Jacob Great- 
house [3S166] ; Ezekiel Hedges [2S51] ; Moses Lawson 
[9BB58]; Jacob Ogle [2S51 ; 3S131] ; John Polk [37J25] ; 
William Shens [2S323] ; William Williams [37J25]. 

Captured: Jonathan Pugh [2S97]. 

Escaped: Harry Castleman [37J25] ; John Chambers 
[6ZZ16] ; John Cullins [2E67] ; William Engle [2S97] : 



302 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 



Robert Harkness [3S158, 165] : William Harrod [7NN19] ; 
Solomon Jones [9BB58] ; William Linn [6ZZ9; 9BB58] ; 
Daniel McLain [2S280] ; Joseph Ogle [6ZZ9] ; John Vincent 
[9BB58]; Martin Wetzel [2E10]. 



[3NN6.] 

A list of 20 officers and men under Lieut. William 
Cross, of Monongalia militia, under command of 
Major James Chew at Fort Pitt, Oct i, 1777: 

John Mills, lieut., Aug. 15, on command at Wheeling; 
Samuel Blackford, sergt. ; Henry Yoho, Aug. 15; Stephen 
Gasper, Aug. 15; Peter Goosey, Aug. 15; William Hall, 
Aug. 16; Henry Franks, Aug. 16; Roger Barton, Aug. 19; 
John Yoho, Sept. i ; James Flynn, Sept. i ; Bastian Keener, 
Sept. 2; James Purdie, Sept. 4; Aron Flowers, Sept. 4. 



[3NN6, 7.] 
Capt. James O'Hara's Muster Roll of Independent 
company of Regulars, stationed at Fort Pitt, Oct. i, 
1777: 

Thomas Gibson, ist lieut., [with] fifty-four sergeants, cor- 
porals, and privates, of whom Samuel Fury, Charles Camp- 
bell, James Ensworth, and Thomas Robertson (enlisted 
Sept. 8) were on command at Wheeling. Thomas Brazee, 
and John Polke were killed in Foreman's defeat, Sept. 27th. 
Abraham Enochs (enlisted Sept. 12), James Amberson (en- 
listed Sept. 30), and Patrick Ryan were privates. 

Capt. O'Hara's pay roll for Dec. 28, 1777, returned Bryan 
Burns prisoner. Thomas Hendricks deserted Oct. 20; James 
Ensworth, Nov. 9; Michael Dillow, after Oct. 15, and John 
McDonald, Sept. i. 

[3NN7.] 
Return of volunteer crew of "Rattletrap," under 
command of Capt. James Willing, Dec. 22, 1777: 

Capt. Thomas Love ; Sergeant John Marney ; Levin 
Spriggs; John Walker; Richard Murray; Mark Foley; 
John Ash ; Daniel Whittaker ; Lazarus Ryan ; Philip Hupp ; 
John Gouldin ; Lawrence Kanan ; Samuel Taylor; John 



MUSTER ROLLS 



303 



Hanwood, and James Taylor from Captain Harrison's com- 
pany of the 13th Virginia regiment. 

Greenberry Shores, Nathan Henderson, Richard Rody, 
Henry Haut and Tobrar Haut of Captain Sullivan's com- 
pany. 

Thomas Beard, sergeant; Nathaniel Down; James King; 
Alexander Chambers ; William White ; and John Rowland 
of Captain O'Hara's company. 

James Ryan, Reuben Hamilton, and James Cordonis of 
Captain Heth's company. 

James Willing. 



[3NN8.] 

A general return of troops stationed at Fort Pitt 

under the command of General Hand, Dec. 27, 1777 : 

One colonel; Captain Harrison and company, 46; Captain 
Sullivan and company, 54; Captain Heath and company, 67; 
Captain O'Hara and company, 40 — total 208. Captain Sullivan 
appears to have been absent. Included in the number were 
two lifers and one drummer. 



[3NN8.] 

Volunteer company of 52 officers and privates in 

Pittsburgh, under General Hand, for three months 

from May i, 1778: 

David Duncan, captain. 

John Bradley, ist lieutenant. 

Robert McKinley, 2nd lieutenant. 

Roger O'Neal \ 

Andrew Robertson ( 

William Evans / Sergeants. 

William Dawes | 



Privates. 



John Ormsby 
James McClelland 
William Redick 
John Terry 
Hugh Reed 
Hugh Quigley 
William Christy 



Ignace Labat 
Matthew Hayes 
Rhoderick Frazer 
William Flinn Jr. 
Wyllys Pierson 
Michael Strain 
Joseph Nicholas 



304 FRONTIER DEFENSE ON UPPER OHIO 



Hugh Smith William Boniface 

Charles Richards Jacob Haymaker 

James Robertson Jacob Grubb 

William Deal James Fleming 

John Small Andrew Neugle 

John Handlen John Dousman 

John Redick John Truine 

James Brevard Patrick McDonald 

John Girty Philip Engle 

John Hoecraft Conrad Winbiddle 

Samuel Semple William McMaicancy 

James Fernsley Matthew Gilmore 

Gasper Reel James Ryan 

William Woods James McGouldrick 

Thomas Bell Hugh O'Hara 
Jacob Wise 
Endorsed : Volunteer company of the town of Pittsburgh. 



[3NN9, ID.] 

Abstract of Westmoreland Militia ordered out on 
an expedition to the Indian Country by Brigadier 
General Edward Hand, commanded by Col. Alexander 
Barr, from 10 Feb- 10 March, 1778, generally credited 
for, some to March 8 : 

Alexander Barr, colonel ist Battalion i 

John Pumroy, lieutenant colonel i 

Adam Guthrey, quarter master i 

Capt. Charles Foreman & company ist Bat" 28 

Capt. Robert Knox & company " 17 

Capt. John Hinkson & company " 18 

Capt. Richard Williams & company " 8 

Lieut. Edward McDowell & company " 15 

Capt. Andrew Lovars & company 18 

Capt. William Love & company " 24 

128 

Capt. John McClelland & company 2nd Bat" ig 

Capt. David Marchant & company " " 3-4 

Capt. Hugh Martin & company " " 18 

Capt. Christopher Truby & company " " 20 

Providence Mounts, lieutenant colonel 3d Bat" i 

John Brannon, adjutant " " i 

Capt. James Leetch & company " " 13 

Capt. David Vance & company " " 25 



MUSTER ROLLS 305 



Capt. John Christy & company " " 32 

Capt. William Sparks & company 4th Bat^ 15 

Capt. John Kyle & company " " 19 

Capt. James Clark & company 2nd Bat" 21 

Capt. Hugh Mitchell & company 3d Bat" 13 

Total officers and men 362 

Total pay and subsistence ^1307. 3. 6 



[From Samuel T. Wiley, History of Monongalia County, 
JV. Va. (Kingswood, W. V., 1883), p. 70.] 

Pay Abstract of Capt. John Whitsell's [Wetzel's] 
company of Rangers, Monongahala County under 
command of CoL Daniel McFarland. Ranging in 
Monongahala and Ohio Counties from the 22nd day 
of April to the 25th July 1778 both days included: 

John Whitzell, captain 

William Crawford, lieutenant 

John Madison, ensign 

Peter Miller,^ sergeant 

Christian Copley, sergeant 
John Six Samuel Brown 

Lewis Bonnell [Bonnet] Jacob Teusbaugh 

Joseph Morris Benjamin Wright 

William Hall Philip Nicholas 

John Nicholas Henry Yoho 

John Duncan Thomas Hargis 

John Province Jr. Henry Franks 

Nicholas Crousber Jacob Teusbaugh 

John Six Abram Eastwood 

Conrad Hur Martin Whitzell 

Enoch Enochs Jacob Riffle 

Valentine Lawrence John Andreuer 

John Smith William Gardiner 

David Casto Joseph Yeager 

Philip Catt George Catt 

\ Joseph Coone Matthias Riffle 

Vacob Spangler Peter Goosey 

Philip Barker 



20 



INDEX 



Abbott, Gov. Edward, 281, 285. 
sketch, 10, 11. 

Albany (N. Y.), 25, 137. 

Albemarle County (Va.), 196. 

Albert, George S., Frontier Forts 
of Pennsylvania, 151, 166. 

Alexandria (Va.), 226. 

All Face, Seneca chief, 180, 188, 189. 

Almon, J., Remembrancer, 191. 

Amberson, James, 302. 

American Historical Review, 271. 

Americati Magazine of History. 157. 

Amherstburg (Ont.), 250, 275. 

Amwell township, resident, 112. 

Anderson, John, messenger, 128. 

Anderson, Capt. John, deposition, 
162, 163. 

Andreuer, John, 305. 

Antietam (Md.), pioneer, 40. 

Arbuckle, Capt. Matthew, com- 
mandant, 5, 32, 33, 157-159, 175, 
205; company, 27; nephew, 162; 
deposition, 224; letters from, 25-27, 
80, 125-128, 149, 150, 176, 232; for- 
wards news, 186, 266, 267; on fur- 
lough, 195, 246; tries to protect 
hostages, 163, 177, 189. 

Argyle family, 70. 

Arkansas post, supplies at, 199, 202, 
278. 

Armstrong, Gen. John, expedition, 
43, 146, 284. 

Arnold, Gen. Benedict, 139, 211. 

Ash, John, 302. 



Ashcraft, Richard, scout, 23. 

"Augusta," British ship, 152. 

Augusta County (Va.), 43, 171, 225, 
294; seat, 176; pioneers, 27, 79, 
123, 127, 196, 248; militia, 17, 81, 
105, 126, 154, 158, 162, 171, 176; de- 
fense of, 238; county formed from, 
135, 136; troops march, 149, 150, 
168, 169. 

Avery, George, 301. 

Aylett, Col. William, 17, 43. 

Bailey, John, Kentucky express, 
194. 

Baker, George, captured, 33, 34, 254. 

Baker, Joshua, pioneer, 45. 

Baker family, 34, 45. 

Baldwin, Thomas, at Fort Pitt, 135. 

Bane, — , Virginia loyalist, 169. 

Baptists, missions, 119; in Ken- 
tucky, 184, 194. 

Barker, Philip, 305. 

Barnet, — , 224. 

Barr, — killed, 148. 

Barr, Col. Alexander, 148, 304. 

Barre, Col. Isaac, speech, 211. 

Barton, Roger, 302. 

Bath County (Va.), 150. 

Baton Rouge (La.), captured, 289. 

Battles: Blue Licks, 12. Brandy- 
wine, 114, 213, 214, 219. Captina 
Creek, 106. Cherry Valley, 11. 
Cowpens, 246. Elk River, 219. 



INDEX 



307 



Fallen Timbers, 10, 12. German- 
town, 137, 214, 219, 264. Great 
Bridge, 213. Guilford, 27. Lake 
Erie, 250. Long Island, 7. Point 
Pleasant, 163, 175. Sandusky, 12. 
Stony Point, 213. Thames, 250. 
Tippecanoe, 10. Wyoming, 11. 
Pausman, Joseph H., History of 
Beaver County, Pa., 34, 254. 



Bays: Burlington, 250. Chesa- 
peake, 48. Sandusky, 165. 

Beard, Thomas, 303. 

Beaubien, Charles, 283. 

Beaver County (Pa.), 44. 

Becquets, Charles, 286, 287. 

Becquets, Jean Baptiste, 286, 287, 
291. 

Bedford County (Pa.), defense of, 
239; captives from, 254; officers, 
39, 133; militia, 25, 134, 147, 153, 
155; pioneers, 54; raided, 151, 188. 

Beech Bottom, 40, 46, 51, 62, 64, 67, 
83, 130, 134, 135. See also Forts. 

Bell, Judith Gary, 210. 

Bell, Thomas, 304. 

Bellefontaine (O.), 118. 

Bellefonte (Pa.), 146. 

Belmont County (O.), 106. 

Bentley, Thomas, 288. 

Berkeley County (W. Va.), pio- 
neers, 15, 64, 65, 67; militia, 154, 
177, 238; sketch, 135. 

Berry, Lieut. — , 223, 227. 

Berting, Peter, pensioner, 150. 

Beverly mill, site, 176. 

Big Knife, Indian term for Ameri- 
cans, 115, 116. 

Billings, Dr. John S., aid acknowl- 
edged, 5. 

Billingsport (N. J.), attacked, 152, 
15?. 

Bird, Capt. Henry, 235. 

Blackfish, Shawnee chief, 26, 252. 

Blackford, Samuel, 302. 

Blackford, Capt. Zephaniah, 23, 84. 



Blacksnake, Seneca chief, 20, 173, 

180. 
Blacksville (Va.), 135. 
Blue Licks (Ky.), 12, 252, 234. 
Boggs, Capt. John, 65, 67, 68. 
Boggs, Lydia. See Mrs. Cruger. 
Boggs family, 65. 
Bolton, Col. Mason, 173, 174, 285. 
Boniface, William, 304. 
Bonnet, Lewis, 305. 
Boone, Daniel, captured, 26, 252, 

254, 283. 
Boone, Jemima, captured, 271. 
Boonesborough (Ky.), 31, 102, 103, 

182, 252, 271, 283. 
Booth, James, letter from, 37. 
Borden, Benjamin, land grant, 105, 

170. 

Boreman, — , messenger, 297. 

Bosseron, Frangois, 286. 

Botetourt County (Va.), militia, 4, 
17, 74, 75, 154, 158, 162, 176, 189, 
224, 238, 240, 266, 267, 294; troops 
from, 149-151,248; officials, 43,123, 
124, 168, 169, 265; extent, 171. 

Bouquet, Col. Henry, expedition, 
70, 133, 219. 

Bowman, Col. John, relieves Ken- 
tucky, 31, 76; campaign, 26, 182; 
letter, 181-183; sketch, 183. 

Bowman, Capt. Joseph, 272. 

Bowyer, Capt. John, 104, 105, 122-124. 

Bowyer, Capt. Michael, 105. 

Boyd, John, killed, 57, 60, 63. 

Braddock, Gen. Edward, 15, 209, 
213, 221. 

Bradley, John, 303. 

Brady, Samuel, 217. 

Brady, William, guide, 217. 

Brannon, John, 304. 

Brant, Joseph, 20, 250. 

Brazier, Thomas, 301, 302. 

Brenton, James, 84, 216, 217. 

Brevard, James, 304. 

Bridges, John, 254. 

British, incite Indian raids, 7-13, 19, 



308 



INDEX 



20, 42, 88, 102, 137, 153, 173, 232; 
defeated, 136-138; supplies, 201-203. 
Brock, Gen. Isaac, captures De- 
troit, 12. 
Brocus, Ann, 226. 
Brodhead, Col. Daniel, expedition, 

36, 61, 147, 180. 
Brooke County (Va.), 22. 
Brooks. See Brocus. 
Brown, Samuel, 305. 
Brown, Col. Thomas, 51, 52, 93,133. 
Bryant's Station (Ky.), 12. 
Buchanan, Col. William, 256. 
Buckingehelas, Delaware chief, 117, 

118. 
Bucks County (Pa.), 198. 
Buffalo Historical Society, Piiblica- 

tions, 173, 180. 
Bukey, Hezekiah, spy, 23. 
Bukey, Mrs. Jemima, 23. 
Burgoyne, Col. John, defeat, 76, 145, 

146, 174, 181, 188, 243, 244, 289. 
Burk, Capt. Thomas, 169, 203, 204. 
Burke, Edmund, speech, 211. 
Burns, Bryan, 302. 
Butler, Henry, 286. 
Butler, Col. John, 20, 88, 173, 174, 
282, 285; rangers, 11, 275; sketch, 
20. 
Butterf^eld, C. ^N ., History of the 
Girtys, 201; Washington- Crawford 
Letters, 193; Irvine Correspond- 
ence, 165. 
Butterworth, James, 254. 
Cahokia (111.), 264. 
Caillot. See Lachanse. 
Caldwell, Billy, Indian chief, 12. 
Caldwell, James, 12. 
Caldwell, John, 61, 66; sketch, 61. 
Caldwell, Thomas, 12. 
Caldwell, Walter, killed, 79, 80. 
Caldwell, Capt. William, 11, 235. 
Caldwell, William Jr., 12. 
Calloway, Elizabeth, captured, 271. 
Calloway, Frances, captured, 271. 
Cam, Hosea, messenger, 22. 
Camp Union, 81, 150. 



Campbell, — , killed, 71. 

Campbell, Col. Arthur, letter, 38. 

Campbell, Charles, 302. 

Campbell, Col. Charles, captured, 
70, 152. 

Campbell, Col. John, Pittsburgh 
resident, 32, 148, 184, 185, 233, 
298-300. 

Campbell, Richard, killed, 71. 

Canadian Archives, 218, 274, 275, 280. 

Canon, Col. John, 230, 233. 

Canonsburg (Pa.), 295. 

Carleton, Sir Guy, governor of Can- 
ada, 9, 14, 71, 161, 274, 280. 

Carlisle (Pa.), settler, 249. 

Carnahan, Adam, 41, 50. 

Carnahan, James, services, 41. 

Carnahan, John, killed, 42, 50. 

Carney family, 227. 

Caroline County (Va.), 213, 264. 

Carr, Thomas, scout, 23. 

Castleman, Harry, 301. 

Casto, David, 305. 

Catawba Indians, trail, 221, 

Catfish, Delaware chief, 6. 

Catfish Camp, 6, 15, 67 76, 83, 132. 

Catherine. See Grenadier Squaw. 

Catt, George, 305. 

Catt, Philip, 305. 

Celoron, — , 281. 

Celoron, Pierre Joseph, 147, 281. 

Centre County (Pa.), 146. 

Chambers, Alexander, 303. 

Chambers, James, 41, 42. 

Chambers, John, 301. 

Charleston (S. C), during Revolu- 
tion, 190, 210, 213, 257, 297, 298. 

Charleston (Md.), 73. 

Chartier, Martin, 200. 

Chartier, Peter, 200. 

Chartier township (Pa.), 277. 

Chartier's town, 200. 
Chene, Isadore, 10. 

Cherokee Indians, murdered, 86; 
hostile, 90, 203, 207, 275; envoy to, 
209, 210; treaty with, 198. 
Chester (Pa.), skirmish near, 146. 



INDEX 



309 



Chew, Maj. James, relieves Fort 
Henry, 23, 49, 120-122, 129-132 
scouting, 24; in skirmish, 138,140 
at Fort Pitt, 141, 302; council, 148 
letters, 134, 135, 143-145; sketch, 18, 

Chicago, Indian village at, 118 
Historical Society Collections, 286. 

Chickasaw Indians, 199. 

Chillicothe, Shawnee clan, 20. 

Chillicothe (O.), Indian town, 25, 
26, 234, 283. 

Chippewa Indians, at council, 7-13; 
at Fort Pitt, 16; war party, 50, 
102, 230; interpreter, 231. 

Chisholm, Mrs. John, 184. 

Christy, Capt. John, 305. 

Christy, William, 303. 

Cisney, Capt. — , 142. 

Clark, Col. George Rogers, early 
life, 39, 107, 181, 182; sends spy, 
184; prepares for expedition, 196, 
197, 202, 203, 226, 227, 263, 264, 278; 
letters, 248, 249, 271, 272; "message 
for, 46; in Illinois, 182, 235, 286, 
287, 290; captures Vincennes, 7, 
10, 11, 281; in 1780, 26; officers, 
174, 192, 194, 218, 234, 250, 251, 292; 
news of French alliance, 298-300; 
sketch, 196. 

Clark, Hugh, 301. 

Clark, Capt. James, 305. 

Clark, John Jr., 264. 

Clark, Jonathan, 264. 

Clark, Richard, 264, 265. 

Clinton, Sir Henrj', in New York, 
192. 

Cloyd, Capt. — , messenger, 171. 

Clymer, George, Congressional com- 
missioner, 198, 200, 228, 229, 240. 

Coitchelah, Shawnee chief, 242. 

Coleman, William, merchant, 198. 

Coles, Jacob, 59, 60. 

Colisqua, Shawnee chief, 114, 137. 

Collinstown (Va.), rendezvous, 123. 

Connell, James, 220. 

Connell, Zachariah, 220. 

Connellsville (Pa.), founder, 216, 
220, 221. 



Connolly, Col. John, 72. 

Conowango (Pa.), Indian village, 
180. 

Continental army, 2, 104, 105, 132, 
133. See also the respective regi- 
ments. 

Continental Congress, seat, 133, 286, 
287; appoints Hand, 1; recalls 
Hand, 191; petitions for, 19, 109, 
110, 189; resolutions, 17, 190, 191; 
commissioners from, 6, 184-187, 
198; relations with Indians, 92-97, 

113, 117, 136, 137, 236, 237; defends 
West, 293, 294; Spanish message 
for, 289; Journals, 187, 198, 228. 

Conway, Gen. Thomas, 211. 

Conwell, Yates, 23, 107. 

Cook, Col. Edward, 110, 221. 

Coon, Joseph, 37, 305. 

Coon, Philip, 37. 

Copley, Christian, 305. 

Corbly, John, letter, 23. 

Cordonnis, James, 303. 

Cornstalk, Shawnee chief, 26, 78, 

114, 126, 254; detained as hostage, 
149, 150, 167; draws map, 160; 
murdered, 157-163, 175-177, 214, 233- 
237, 256, 259; murderers, 207, 208, 
224, 225, 240; effect of death, 188, 
189, 252. 

Coshocton (Cuchachunk), Indian 
town, 18, 19, 27, 29, 35, 93, 96, 100, 
101, 112, 118, 136, 164, 166; trail to, 
179; council at, 270; Moravians, 
284; Loyalists, 260, 285; expedi- 
tion against, 36, 94, 96; sketch, 
18, 164. 

Craig, Maj. Isaac, 165. 

Craig, Rev. John, 171. 

Craig, Neville B., Hisioiy of Pitts, 
burgh, 86. 

Craven, Harrison W., aid acknowl- 
edged, 277. 

Crawford, Anne, 220. 

Crawford, John, 143, 221. 

Crawford, Lieut. William, 305. 



310 



INDEX 



Crawford, Col. William, 54, 190, 191, 
216; letters for, 193, 201, 202, 252, 
253; home, 221; defeat, 4, 12, 45, 
130, 235, 249, 295; sketch, 190. 

Crawford family, 218. 

Creeks: Beaver (Pa.), 33-36, 178, 
215, 217, 228, 233, 256, 270, 298. Big 
Sewickley (Pa.), 69. Big White- 
ley (Pa.), 69. Blacklick (Pa.), 70, 
71, 153. Booth (W. Va.), 37. 
Brandywine (Pa.), 114. Buffalo 
(W, Va.), 23, 40, 41, 47, 61, 65, 67, 
130. Captina (W. Va.), 106, 296. 
Carr's (Va.), 105, 159. Catter- 
augus (N. Y.), 180. Chartier (Pa.), 
67, 200, 277. Conemaugh (Pa.), 41, 
71, 153. Cross (O.), 4. Decker's 
(Pa.), 44. Dunkard (W. Va.), 21, 
24; raids on, 245, 248-251, 254, 269, 
279. Elk (W. Va.), 37. Fish (W. 
Va.), 21, 23, 254, 295, 296. French 
(Pa.), 147, 232, 285. Grave (W. 
Va.), 21-23, 46, 106, 107, 111, 112— 
see also Fort Grave Creek. In- 
dian (Va.), 80. Jacob's (Pa.), 190. 
Kiskiminitas (Pa.), 6, 40, 41, 82, 
141,153,174; sketch, 40. Le Bceuf 
(Pa.), 147, 285, 287. Little Sewick- 
ley (Pa.), 47. Little Wheeling 
(W. Va.), 57. Loyalhanna (Pa.), 
153, 165. Mahoning (O.), 178, 219. 
Middle Island (W. Va.), 295, 296. 
Mounts (Pa.), 216. Muddy (Va.), 
81, 248, 279. Neshannock (Pa.), 
217. Paint (O.), 164. Peter's 
(Pa.), 77. Pigeon (Pa.), 45, Rac- 
coon (Pa.), 34, 44. Sandy (W. 
Va.), 38. Sewickley (Pa.), 41. 
Shenango (Pa.), 217. Short (W. 
Va.), 23, 41, 135. Shurtees,— see 
Chartier's. Sunfish (W. Va.), 21-23. 
Ten Mile (Pa.), 112, 227, 264. 
Tinker's (O.), 165. Wheeling (W. 
Va.), 3, 5, 57, 59-61, 65, 66, 106, 
296— see also Fort Henry. Yellow 
(Pa.), 133. Yellow (W. Va.), 4. 



Crockett, Capt. Walter, 266. 
Croghan, George, Indian trader, 4, 

30, 200; residence, 50, 250; sketch, 

30. 
Crooks, Capt. — , 55. 
Cross, Lieut. William, 23, 302. 
Crousber, Nicholas, 305. 
Crouse, Peter, killed, 274. 
Cruger, Gen. Daniel, 65. 
Cruger, Mrs. Lydia, reminiscences, 

65-68; portrait, 66. 
Cruzat, Col. Francisco, 290.- 
Culbertson's Bottom (Va.), 265. 
Cullins, John, 107, 109, 110, 301. 
Culpeper County (Va.), militia, 32. 
Cumberland County (Pa.), 25, 133, 

146, 213. 
Cuyahoga (O.), see Cuyahoga River. 

Dandridse,Danske, Historic Shep- 
herdstoTvn, 135. 

Dandridge family, 17. 

Darlington, Mary C, Fort Pitt and 
Letters from the Frontier, 3, 24, 36, 
133, 148. 

Darlington, William M., Gist's 
Jottrnals 173. 

Dartmouth, Lord, papers, 161. 

Datahyjas, Huron Indian, 288. 

Dauphin County (Pa.), 178. 

Davis, Eleazar, 279. 

Dawes, William, 303. 

Deal, William, 304. 

Declaration of Independence, sign- 
ers, 132, 198, 297. 

Delaware George, chief, 117, 118. 

Delaware Indians, clans, 147; vil 
lages, 164, 165, 232, 298; migra 
tions, 217, 218; in Illinois, 287 
at Fort Pitt, 35, 48, 50, 86; De 
troit, 7, 233; neutral, 168, 173, 285 
friendly, 28, 29, 48, 86-92, 102, 179 
255; hostile, 22, 37, 67, 207, 282 
hostage, 96; messages for, 86-92 
100, 112-118, 136-138, 147, 228, 229, 
241-243, 269, 270, 291; messages 



INDEX 



311 



from, 164-167, 244, 254; fear attack, 
94-96, 101; captives among, 231, 
234; spy, 230; Half King, 167; 
messengers, 178; message to 
Shawnee, 126; fort to be built 
for, 113, 117; Loyalists among, 
260, 

Derry settlement, on Conemaugh, 
148, 153, 178. 

Deserters, from Fort Pitt, 247, 278, 
279, 286. 

Detroit, founded, 118; British head- 
quarters, 128, 137, 193, 234, 241-243, 
249, 252, 254, 274, 280, 288; condi- 
tions described, 103, 119; gov- 
ernor, 10, 102, 193; Indian council 
at, 7-13, 19, 25; captives, 34, 38, 
41, 70, .71; Loyalists, 12, 186; 
raids from, 152, 164; expedition 
against, 214, 218; Delawares at, 
115, 166; spy, 231; message from, 
39; evacuated, 2T5; taken by 
Americans, 12. 

Dickinson, Col. John, at Fort Ran- 
dolph, 149-151, 162, 177. 

Dickson, — , captured, 70. 

Dillow, Michael, 302. 

Dinwiddie, Gov. Robert, 221. 

Doddridge, Dr. Joseph, describes 
siege of Fort Henry, 54-58; Notes 
on the Setthme7tts, 54, 157. 

Dodge, John, 288. 

Donop, Count Carl von, Hessian 
officer, 152. 

Dougherty, Dudley, daughter cap- 
tured, 180. 

Dougherty family, captives, 180. 

Douglass, Alexander, 76, 77. 

Dousman, John, 304. 

Down, Nathaniel, 303. 

Draper, Lyman C, secures manu- 
scripts, 5, 146; interviews, 12, 107, 
109, 130, 164, 173, 180; correspond- 
ence, 157; cited, 103, 151. 

Drennon, Capt. Jacob, Kentucky 
pioneer, 62, 63. 

Drennon family, 62. 



Drennon's Lick, 63. 

Duke, Francis, killed, 64, 67; ac- 
count book, 56; estate, 66. 

Duke, Francis Jr., descendants, 64. 

Duke, John, 64. 

Dumfries (Va.), 226. 

Duncan, David, 303. 

Duncan, John, 305. 

Dunmore, Earl of, governor of Vir- 
ginia, 2, 63; expedition, 54, 61, 
181, 196, 218, 296; officers, 172,190; 
sends list of Loyalists, 284; in 
the Revolution, 11, 136, 213. 

Dunmore County (Va.), militia, 17, 
128, 135, 154, 177; sketch, 136. 



Elastwood, Abram, 305. 

Edwards, Col. John, 164. 

Eighth Pennsylvania regiment, 3, 
41, 69. 

Eighth Virginia regiment, 27, 190, 
212. 

Eighteenth British infantry, 2. 

Elinipsico, killed, 159, 163, 188, 189, 
259. 

Elliott, James, messenger to Dela- 
wares, 87, 100, 102, 115, 117. 

Elliott, Matthew, Loyalist, 12, 249- 
256, 284. 

Elliott, Col. William, 277. 

Emmet, Thomas A., 271. 

Engle, Philip, 304. 

Engle, William, 301. 

Enoch, Capt. Henry, 52. 

Enochs, Abraham, 106, 302. 

Enochs, Enoch, 305. 

Ensworth, James, 302. 

Episcopalians, in Virginia, 54. 

Equeshaway, Ottawa chief, 10. 

Essex (Ont.), 249. 

Evans, John, map, 164. 

Evans, Col. John, letter, 273, 274; 
sketch, 93. 

Evans, William, 303. 

Ewing, Catherine, relatives, 5. 

Ewing, Maj. Jasper (Jesse), 7, 20, 



312 



INDEX 



120, 196, 248; accompanies Hand, 
156, 188; letter, 253; on furlough, 
192, 197, 200. 



Fairfax County (Va.), 135. 

"Fairfield," Virginia estate, 17. 

Falls: Great Kanawha, 151. 

Fanny, Indian woman, 195. 

Farmer, Jacob, 21. 

Fauquier County (Va.), 272. 

Fayette County (Pa.), 190, 216. 

Fernsley, James, 304. 

Fifth Virginia regiment, 213. 

First Virginia regiment, 213. 

Fleming, James, 304. 

Fleming, Col. William, county lieu- 
tenant, 38, 43, 123, 154, 205-209; 
hears of Cornstalk's mvirder, 168; 
letters, 126, 223-225; to Shawnee, 
258-261; letters for, 42, 43, 74-76, 
78-82, 104, 105, 122-125, 171, 172, 
209-214,240,241, 265-268; sketch, 38. 

Fleming, Mrs. William, 123. 

Fleming County (Ky.), 62. 

Flinn, John, messenger, 125, 127. 

Flinn, William Jr., 303. 

Florida, in British regime, 285, 288. 

Flowers, Aaron, 302. 

Floyd, John, 218, 266, 269. 

Flying Crow, Seneca chief, 180, 188, 
189. 

Fly-nn, James, 302. 

Foley, Mark, 302. 

Forbes, Gen. John, 6, 165. 

Foreman, Capt. Charles, 304. 

Foreman, Hamilton, killed, 106, 134, 
300. 

Foreman, Nathan, 301. 

Foreman, Capt. William, defeated, 
95, 106-112, 118, 120, 134, 136; 
causes, 129, 130; losses, 121, 122, 
300, 302; men buried, 120, 122; 
monument, 108; sketch, 106. 

Forster, Elizabeth, 178. 

Fort Wayne (Ind.), site, 288. 



Forts: on the Ohio, 3-5. Baker's, 
106. Barr, 148. Beech Bottom, 36, 
40, 51, 56, 62, 64, 67, 83, 110, 111, 
130, 134, 135. Beeler's, 65. Bee- 
son's, 67. Blackmore, 38. Chero- 
kee — see Massac. Chiswell, 265. 
Coon, 37, 93. Donnally, 248. Du- 
quesne, 2, 166, 217, 286. Dunmore 
— see Pitt. Garard, 23. Grave 
Creek, 4, 22, 61; .burned, 107, 110, 
111; sketch, 106. Hand, 41, 69, 82, 
97-99. Henry (in Greenbrier), 79. 
Henry, built, 54; strengthened, 39, 

47, 51; garrison, 4, 23, 135, 140, 
147, 148, 238; reports from, 15, 21, 
46, 47, 50, 51; siege of, 32, 36, 
54-68, 72, 73; losses at, 84, 85, 95, 
96; after siege, 83-85, 106, 109, 
120-122, 129-132, 227; Hand visits, 
146, 154; later siege, 59; com- 
mandant, 295 — see also Wheeling. 
Jefiferson, 194, 264. Kern's, 44. 
Kittanning, 2, 3, 15, 40, 181; attack- 
ed, 46, 50; threatened, 69; evac- 
uated, 41, 82, 97, 98, 134. Koon— 
see Coon. Laurens 298; Ligonier, 
165, 166. Mcintosh, 165, 174, 198. 
Martin, 273. Massac (Cherokee), 
202, 203. Mercer, 152. Miami, 283. 
Mingo Bottom, 4. Minor, 53. 
Morris, 175. Muddy Creek, 81. 
Necessity, 216, 221. Nelson, 194. 
Oriskany, 173. Palmer, 152, 166. 
Pitt, commandant, 1-3, 298; Brit- 
ish garrison, 2; artillery for, 17; 
ammunition, 267; supplies, 74; 
endangered, 31, 35; skirmish near, 
255; smallpox at, 210; messages 
for, 36, 182; route to, 176; condi- 
tions at, 14, 140, 172-174, 178-181, 
188-192, 231; as a rendezvous, 49, 
165, 202, 214, 245; Indians visit, 

48, 62, 164, 167; Indians killed, 85, 
86, 233; Loyalists at, 53, 156, 
184-187; Morgan, 33, 94; commis- 
sioners, 142, 236, 294; officer's 
council, 145-148; cattle near, 99; 



INDEX 



313 



celebrate French alliance, 299; 
sketch, 2— see also Pittsburgh. 
Preservation, 166. Prickett's, 24, 
37. Rail's, 61. Randolph, garrison 
of, 5, 39, 127, 140, 177; endangered, 
26; reinforced, 105, 122-128, 148, 
150, 151, 205, 224, 238, 240; route 
to, 176; rendezvous, 42, 43; Shaw- 
nee hostages at, 149, 150; Indian 
massacre, 157-163, 175-177, 256, 259; 
conditions at, 25-27, 194-196, 246-248; 
officer killed, 203; Hand visits, 
154, 162, 171-177, 181, 184, 186, 188- 
191; Shawnee invited to, 260, 261; 
sketch, 2, 5 — see also Point Pleas- 
ant. Recovery, 10. Reardon's 
Bottom, 4. Sackville, 10, 194— see 
also Vincennes. St. Etienne — see 
Arkansas Post. St. Louis (111.), 
200. Schuyler, 20. Shepherd, 57, 
61, 66, 109. Stanwix, 11, 20, 116. 
Statler, 21, 53. Swan and Van 
Meter, 264. Van Bibber, 78, 80. 
Van Meter, 64. Venango, 217. 
Wallace, 148, 151-153, 166. Wayne, 
118, 180. Yellow Creek, 4. 

Fox Indians, on Allegheny, 147. 

Franklin County (Pa.), 87. 

Franks, Henry, 302, 303. 

Frazer, Rhoderick, 303. 

Frederick County (Va.), militia, 17, 
128, 154, 177, 238; recruits from, 
272; counties formed from, 136; 
sketch, 135. 

Fredericksburg (Va.), 214. 

French, forts in West, 118; alliance, 
297-299. 

Frontiersmen, disposition towards 
Indians, 119, 129. 

Fury, Samuel, 302. 

Gaddis, Col. Thomas, letter, 51, 52. 
Galbraith, Hugh, tried for Corn- 
stalk's murder, 178. 
Galloway, Joseph, letter, 161. 
Galvez, Bernardo de, 289, 291, 293. 
Galvez, Jose de, 289. 



Gapen family, homestead, 217. 

Gardiner, William, 305. 

Gasper, Stephen, 302. 

Gates, Gen. Horatio, letter for, 202, 
203, 243, 250-262, 278, 279. 

George, Lieut. Robert, 192. 

George, Robin, messenger to Dela- 
wares, 117. 

Georgetown (Ky.), 181. 

Georgetown (Md.), 226. 

Georgia, during Revolution, 297, 
298. 

Germain, Lord George, orders, 9. 

Giasodo. See Guyashusta. 

Gibson, — , captured, 70. 

Gibson, John, captured, 70. 

Gibson, John, trader, 276. 

Gibson, Mrs. John, 276. 

Gibson, Col. John, at Fort Pitt, 35, 
145; gives information, 73, 189, 
190; at council, 148; letters, 33-36, 
86, 140-142, 172-174,178-181; sketch, 
36. 

Gibson, Lieut. Thomas, 302. 

Gilmer, Capt. — , in Augusta mili- 
tia, 122. 

Gilmore, Lieut. James, 246, 247. 

Gilmore, John, killed, 159. 

Gilmore, Matthew, 304. 

Gilmore, Ensign Robert, killed near 
Fort Randolph, 158-160, 163, 176, 
259. 

Gilmore, Thomas, killed, 159. 

Gilmore, William, family attacked, 
159. 

Gilmore family, attacked, 159. 

Girty, George, 234. 

Girty, James, messenger to Shaw- 
nee, 234, 236, 237, 243, 244; deserts 
to British, 263, 284; sketch, 234. 

Girty, John, 304. 

Girty, Simon, captured when a boy, 
234; wife, 106; not at siege of 
Fort Henry, 67; suspected Loyal- 
ist, 186; arrested, 73, 172, 185; 
messenger to Seneca, 172-174, 179- 
181; on Hand's campaign, 217, 



314 



INDEX 



219; deserts to British, 250-256, 
284; sketch, 172. 

Girty's Town (O.), 235. 

Gist, Christopher, scout, 209, 221. 

Gist, Col. Nathaniel, 209, 214. 

Givins, Capt. George, 43. 

Glenn, Thomas, killed, 58, 66. 

Gnadenhiitten, Moravian village, 94. 

Goosey, Peter, 302, 305. 

Gordon, Catherine, 214. 

Gordon, Capt. Harry, 166. 

Gosfield township (Ont.), 235. 

Goshen church (Pa.), 23. 

Gouldin, John, 302. 

Graham, Elizabeth, captured, 78, 79, 
127. 

Graham, Col. James, home attacked, 
78-80, 127. 

Graham, John, killed, 79, 80. 

Grant, Maj. James, defeated, 166. 

Granville (W. Va.), founded, 217. 

Greathouse, Jacob, 301. 

Green, George, Indian trader, 59. 

Green, James, 300. 

Green, John, 222. 

Greenbrier County (Va.), settle- 
ment, 175; pioneers, 63, 80, 163; 
officers, 206; defense of, 238, 239; 
militia, 124, 224, 225, 240, 294; raid 
in, 78-82, 127, 159; supplies for, 
123. 

Greene, Col. Christopher, at Fort 
Mercer, 152. 

Greene, Gen. Nathaniel, 246. 

Greene County (Pa.), 22, 23, 53, 264. 

Greensburg (Pa.), 39, 69. 

"Greenway," Pennsylvania estate, 
38. 

Grenadier Squaw, at Fort Ran- 
dolph, 195; gives information, 26, 
186, 225; messenger, 209, 261; 
sketch, 26. 

Grigsby, Charles, 37. 

Grimes. See Graham. 

Grubb, Jacob, 304. 

Guthrie, Adam, 304. 

Guthrie, Capt. Jack, 40. 



Guyashusta (Giasodo, Kyashoto), 
Seneca chief, 173, 188, 189. 

Gwinnett, Button, 297. 

Hassan, James B., aid acknowl- 
edged, 182. 

Haggin, John, Kentucky pioneer, 
181, 182. 

Haggin's Station (Ky.), settled, 182. 

Haldimand, Gen. Frederick, 11. 

Half King, Wyandot chief, 28, 29, 
167. 

Hall, Capt. James (John), at court 
martial, 43; at Fort Randolph, 
122, 159; tried, 177. 

Hall, William, 302, 3(^. 

Hamilton, — , at Fort Randolph, 
158, 159. 

Hamilton, Henry, governor of De- 
troit, 7, 231; holds Indian council, 
7-13, 19; sends out Indian parties, 
29, 88, 102, 232; welcomes Loyal- 
ists, 274,275; suspects officer, 283; 
hated by Americans, 9; humane 
policy, 282; proclamations, 14, 39, 
46, 70, 71, 143, 152, 198, 242, 254, 
284; letters, 161, 249, 280-288; cap- 
tured by Clark, 193, 288; Dela- 
ware message for, 115; sketch, 7. 

Hamilton, Lieut. John, 218, 219, 247. 

Hamilton, Reuben, 303. 

Hamilton family, attacked, 159. 

Hammond, Philip, messenger, 248. 

Hammond family, 248. 

Hampshire County (W. Va.), 135, 
136, 231; militia, 17, 106, 109, 134, 
154, 238, 273, 300. 

Hancock County (W. Va.), 45. 

Hand, Gen. Edward, appointed 
commandant, 1-3, 16, 55, 110; de- 
scribes conditions, 19, 20, 24, 25; 
protects frontier, 76; popularity, 
144; suspected as Loyalist, 143, 
185; messages to Delawares, 86-88, 
112-114, 147; orders fort evacuated, 
82; summons council, 145, 147; 
warned of raids, 15, 21, 24, 29; 
warns settlements, 268; plans ex- 



INDEX 



315 



peditions, 42-45, 48-'50, 74-76, 133, 
158, 193-195, 201-203; abandons ex- 
peditions, 136, 148, 154-156, 192; 
winter campaign, 106, 190, 215-223, 
256; hears of Foreman's defeat, 
106; visits Fort Henry, 138-141, 
145, 146; Fort Randolph, 162, 
171-177, 184, 186, 188-191; hears of 
American success, 136; aids Clark, 
196, 197; Rogers, 199; requests 
recall, 189, 191; recalled, 294; 
property near Fort Pitt, 200, 277; 
papers, 5; sketch, 2; portrait, 1. 

Hand, Mrs. Edward, letters for, 5, 
7, 16, 49, 50, 146, 156; at Fort Pitt, 
200; message, 298; sketch, 5. 

Handlen, John, 304. 

Hanks, John, recollections of siege 
of Fort Henry, 58-61. 

Hanna, Charles A., Wilder?iess 
Trail, 165, 166, 200. 

Hanna, Mrs. Robert, 71. 

Hannastown (Pa.), founder, 71; 
recruiting at, 69; rendezvous, 39, 
70; Hand visits, 82; raided, 40, 
71, 216; sketch, 6. 

Hanwood, John, 308, 

Hardin, — , mill owner, 24. 

Hardman, Shawnee chief, 126. 

Hargis, Thomas, 305. 

Harkness, Robert, 302. 

Harmon, Gen. Josiah, 233. 

Harmon, Daniel, scouting, 38. 

Harmon, Peter, scouting, 38. 

Harmon family, 38. 

Harna, Isaac, 300. 

Harness, John, 23. 

Harries, Samuel, 23. 

Harrison, Capt. — , 302. 

Harrison County (Ky.), 62, 218. 

Harrison County (W. Va.), raided, 
37. 

Harrod, Capt. William, at Grave 
Creek, 4; company, 61, 302; re- 
cruiting, 43, 44; enlists with Clark, 
226, 227, 263, 264; sketch, 43. 

Harrodsburg (Ky.), pioneers, 182, 



194, 204; garrison, 184; attacked, 
31, 183; letter from, 181-183. 

Hart, Nathaniel, 271. 

Hathaway, Capt. — , 55. 

Haut, Henry, 303. 

Haut, Tobias, 303. 

Hay, Jehu, British Indian agent, 9, 
12, 275, 276. 

Hayes, Matthew, 303. 

Haymaker, Jacob, 304. 

Haymond, Henry, Harrhon County, 
W. F., 37. 

Hazel, Edward, 274, 275, 284. 

Hazelwood, Com. John, 152. 

Heath, Capt. — , 303. 

Heavins, — , Virginia Layalist, 169. 

Heckewelder, John, Narrative, 86, 
166, 167, 260. 

Hedges, Ezekiel, 301. 

Helm, Capt. Leonard, 194, 272, 286. 

Henderson, Capt. James, 79, 80, 127. 

Henderson, Col. John, 80. 

Henderson, Nathan, 303. 

Henderson, Col. Richard, 271. 

Hendricks, Thomas, 302. 

Hening, Walter, Statutes, 143, 170. 

Henry, Patrick, governor of Vir- 
ginia, 16, 79, 212; plans defense, 
205-209, 262, 263; sends supplies, 
203; notified of Cornstalk's mur- 
der, 175-177; sends Western ex- 
peditions, 196, 197, 199, 278; let- 
ters, 16-18, 30-33, 74-76, 202, 225, 
226, 240, 241; letters for, 154, 
223-225. 

Herbert, Michael, 249. 

Hessians, attack fort, 152; attacked, 
146. 

Heth. See Heath. 

Hickson, — , Loyalist drowned, 142- 
144. 

Higgins, John, deserts to British, 
250-255. 

Higginson. See Hickson. 

Hinkston, Col. John, Kentucky 
pioneer, 181, 218, 304. 

Historical Register, 253. 



316 



INDEX 



Hoagland, Capt. Henry, 45. 

Hodowndaoga, Seneca chief, 180. 

Hoecraft, John, 304. 

Holliday's Cove, 45. 

Hopkins, Capt. John, 150. 

Howe, Gen. William, 73, 76, 87,138; 
army, 190, 208, 210; battle with, 
123; leaves Philadelphia, 299. 

Howel, James, 231. 

Hulbert, A. B., Indian Thorough- 
fares, 178. 

Hunt, John S., aid acknowledged, 
219. 

Huntsville (Ala.), 184. 

Hupp, Philip, 302. 

Plur, Conrad, 305. 

Huron Indians, See Wyandot. 

Hutchins, Thomas, map, 164. 

Hutton, Capt. — , at Fort Henry, 



Illinois, British in, 285, 292; pio- 
neers, 36,200; expeditions to, 203, 
264; historical society, 203; Col- 
lectiojis, 11, 184, 281, 286-288, 292. 

Independence township (O.), 165. 

Indian Territory, sites in, 119. 

Indiana, Indian land cessions in, 
119; land grant, 194. 

Indiana Company, 292. 

Indiana County (Pa.), pioneers, 70, 
71. 

Indians, trails, 4, 279; frontiersmen 
murder, 85, 86, 233; council, 7-13; 
method of enumeration, 13. See 
also respective tribes. 

Ingle, William, 301. 

Iowa, Indians in, 147. 

Iroquois Indians. See Six Nations. 

Irvine, Hannah, 248. 

Islands: Bermuda, 299. Long, 192. 
Prison, 41. St. Joseph, 288. 
Staten, 256. 

Jack, Capt. Matthew, 69, 71. 



Jack, Lieut. William, 69, 99. 

Jamestown (Va,), 105. 

Jefferson, Thomas, Virginia lawyer, 

170. 
Jennings, John, Journal, 292. 
Johnson, Col. Guy, British Indian 

agent, 8. 
Johnson, Sir John, at Indian treaty, 

20. 
Johnson, Rachel, recollections, 107, 

108. 
Johnson, Sir William, 116. 
Johnston, John, Indian agent, 118. 
Johnston, Samuel, 301. 
Jones, Rev. David, cited, 4. 
Jones, Gabriel, commissioner, 198, 

228. 
Jones, Morgan, letter from, 23. 
Jones, Solomon, 301, 302. 
Jumonville, Sieur de, 221. 



Kalb, Baron Johann de, 211. 

Kanan, Lawrence, 302. 

Kanawha County (W. Va.), 175. 

Kansas, Indians in, 119. 

Kaskaskia (111.), spies sent to, 184; 
expedition against, 182, 194, 203, 
226, 264, 286; merchants, 288; 
Papers, 184. 

Kaskaskia Indians, habitat, 119. 

Katy. See Grenadier Squaw. 

Kayashuta. See Guyashusta. 

Keener, Bastian, 302. 

Kelley, — , removes from frontier, 
71. 

Kelly, — , messenger, 30. 

Kelly, James, messenger, 178. 

Kelly, John, Indian trader, 178. 

Kelly, Maj. John Jr., ofificer, 178. 

Kelly, Walter, West Virginia pio- 
neer, 175. 

Kelly family, Pennsylvania pio- 
neers, 178. 

Kelly's, on Kanawha, 125, 127, 224, 
240. 

Kennedy, Patrick, 292. 



INDEX 



317 



Kenton, Simon, 164. 

Kentucky, explored, 70, 164; bound- 
ary, 271; census, 183; governor, 
213; constitutional convention, 194; 
raided, 12, 31, 102, 103, 235, 252; 
destitute, 283; aid for, 76; de- 
fense, 196, 197, 226; news from, 
181-183; express, 233; expedition 
for, 263; emigration to, 61, 106, 
264; pioneers, 77, 109, 162, 174, 
184, 190, 194, 210, 213, 218, 300. 

Kentucky County, militia, 184. 

Kickapoo Indians, neutral, 102, 119; 
on warpath, 282; sketch, 118. 

Killbuck, Delaware chief, 15, 112, 
115, 244; at Detroit, 166, 254. 

Kilbuck Jr., Delaware Indian, 86. 

King, James, 303. 

King William County (Va.), 17. 

Kinkead, Andrew, 79. 

Kinkead family, Augusta County 
pioneers, 79. 

Kiscapoo, Shawnee clan, 20. 

Kittanning, Indian town, 15, 146, 
234. See also Fort Kittanning. 

Knox, Capt. Robert, 304. 

Kushayhking. See Coshocton. 

Kuskuskies, Indian town, 178, 213, 
230. 

Kuykendall, Benjamin, 277. 

Kyle, Capt. John, 305. 

La Balme, Col. Mottin de, 283. 

Labat, Ignace, 303. 

Lachanse, Nicolas Caillot dit, 286, 

287. 
Lafayette, Marquis de, 105, 211. 
Lafayette (Ind.), Indian town near, 

118, 281. 

Lakes: Erie, 103, 164, 250. George, 

31. Ontario, 285. 
La Mothe, Guillaume, 287, 288. 
Lancaster (Pa.), 2, 20, 103, 192, 244, 

298. 
Lancaster County (Pa.), 56, 139, 178. 
Larue County (Ky.), 184. 



La Salle, Robert Cavelier de, 200. 

Laughlin, Randall, captured, 70. 

Laurens, Henry, 254-256, 297. 

Law, John, in Mississippi company, 
199. 

Law, Richard, Congressional com- 
missioner, 187. 

Lawrence, Valentine, 305. 

Lawson, Moses, 301. 

Leach. See Leetch. 

Lee, Francis Lightfoot, 132, 133. 

Lee, Richard Henry, 132, 187. 

Lee family, 17. 

Leetch, Capt. James, 47, 56, 304. 

Lewis, Col. Andrew, 124, 125, 223. 

Lewis family, residence, 176. 

Lewisburg (W. Va.). See Camp 
Union. 

Lexington (Va.), resident, 105. 

Leyba, Francisco de, 270. 

Ligonier (Pa.), during the Revolu- 
tion, 38, 39, 151, 152; pioneer, 46; 
raided, 165, 173, 179, ISO; sketch, 
165. See also Fort Ligonier. 

Limestone (Ky.), 181. 

Lincoln, Gen. Benjamin, 298. 

Lincoln County (Ky.), 194. 

Linn, Lieut. Benjamin, 183, 184, 194. 

Linn, Col. William, 106, 183, 272, 
302; in Foreman's defeat, 106-112, 
134; letter, 132, 133; death, 109; 
sketch, 106. 

Linn, William, of Brownsville, 109. 

Linn, William Johnson, inter- 
viewed, 109. 

Little Beaver, Ouiatanon chief, 119. 

Lochry, Col. Archibald, county 
lieutenant, 3, 70, 139, 148, 166; at- 
tacked by Indians, 71; summoned 
to Fort Pitt, 145; letters, 39, 40, 
146, 147; expedition, 41, 46, 47,71; 
sketch, 39. 

Lochry, Capt. William, 139, 141. 

Lockhart, Capt. Patrick, 43. 

Lockridge, Capt. Andrew, 79. 

Loftus, Steel, killed, 80. 

Logan, Indian chief, 4. 



318 



INDEX 



Logan, Col. Benjamin, 164, 182,248. 

Logan, David, 248. 

Logan, James, 248. 

Logan, James Jr., messenger, 248. 

Logan, Joseph D., 248. 

Logan County (O.), Indian town 

in, 118. 
Logan's Station (Ky.), attacked, 31. 
Logstown, fort at, 34, 35, 44, 217, 

254; militia, 138, 140; skirmish 

near, 142, 147, 155. 
Long, Gideon, 53. 
Long, Jeremiah, 53. 
Lorimier, Louis, 283. 
Loudon, negro at Fort Henry, 60, 

63. 
Loudon County (Md.), 58. 
Loudoun County (Va.), 135, 154, 

177, 263. 
Louisiana, during Spanish regime, 

199, 289-293. 
Louisville (Ky.), 174, 194, 226, 233, 

265. 
Loup Indians. See Munsee. 
Lovars, Capt. Andrew, 304. 
Love, Capt. Thomas, 302. 
Love, Capt. William, 304. 
Lower Sandusky, captives at, 47. 
Lowry, Samuel, 301. 
Loyalists, laws against, 169, 170; 

troubles with, 51-53, 142-145, 184- 

187, 198, 207, 208; list, 284; from 

New York, 173; escape to Detroit, 

249-256. 
Lucas, Capt, Edward, 135. 
Lucas, Capt. Edward Jr., 135, 140. 
Lutherans, in America, 211. 
Lynch, Col. Charles, 267. 



McAfee, James, Kentucky pioneer, 

63. 
McBride, Roger, killed, 59. 
McClanahan, Maj. — , 150. 
AlcCleary, Thomas, murdered, 5. 
]\[cClellan, — , Pittsburgh resident, 

141. 



McClelland, James, 256, 303. 

.McClelland, Capt. John, 304. 

McClelland's Station (Ky.), 181, 182. 

McClure, David, 76, 77, 132, 133. 

McColloch, Maj. Samuel, 68. 

McConnell, Hugh, 66. 

McConnell, Rebecca. See Shep- 
herd. 

McCown, Malcolm, tried for Corn- 
stalk's murder, 178. 

McCuUough, John, 219. 

McDonald, Maj. Angus, 45, 54, 

McDonald, John, 302. 

McDonald, Patrick, 304. 

McDowell, Lieut. Edward, 304. 

McDowell, Maj. Samuel, 175, 228, 
229, 240, 248; sketch, 228. 

McFarland, Col. Daniel, 112, 143, 
148, 295, 296, 305; sketch, 112. 

McFarlane, Andrew, captured, 37. 

McFarren, Capt. Martin, 43. 

McGary, Hugh, Kentucky pioneer, 
183. 

McGouldrick, James, 304. 

McGrew, Robert, 300. 

McGuire, Maj. Francis, 40. 

McGuire, Thomas, 40. 

Mcintosh, John Mor, 297. 

Mcintosh, Gen. Lachlan, 68, 190; 
appointed to Fort Pitt, 297; 
sketch, 297. 

McKee, Alexander, Loyalist, 128, 
185-187, 234; residence, 186; pa- 
roled, 156; ordered East, 201; de- 
serts to British, 143, 249-256, 260, 
284; welcomed by British, 274-276, 
285; sketch, 156. 

McKee, Capt. William, at Fort 
Randolph, 125, 127, 194-196; com- 
pany, 177; letter, 246-248; sketch, 
125. 

McKibben, John, residence, 41, 82, 
97. 

Mackinac , Indians gather at, 8; 
British at, 285, 288. 

McKinley, Robert, 303. 

McLain, Daniel, 108. 302. 



INDEX 



319 



McMahon. See McMechen. 

McMaicancy, William, 304. 

McMechen, Dr. James, at Fort 
Henry, 56, 59, 60, 63; clerk, 132. 

McMechen, William, 59. 

McMechen's Narrows, battle at, 106, 
112, 121, 129, 130, 301. See also 
Foreman's defeat. 

McNutt, Lieut. James, 127, 128, 247. 

McNutt, John, 127. 

Madison, John, 296. 

Madison, Lieut. John Jr., 296, 305. 

Madison, Capt. Thomas, 269. 

Mahoning, Indian village, 178, 179. 

Maiden (Ont.), 12, 275. 

Malott, Catharine, captured, 106. 

Mamaltese, Delaware Indian, 232. 

Manchac (La.), 192, 289. 

Marchand, Capt. David, 47, 56, 304. 

Marchand family, 47. 

Marion County (W. Va.). 37. 

Marney, John, 302. 

Marshall County (Va.), court, 108. 

Martin, Capt. Hugh, 304. 

Martin's Church (W. Va.), 273. 

Maryland, Indians in, 200; pioneers, 
59, 248; officers, 256, 257; Howe, 
87. 

Mascoutin Indians, war party, 282. 

Mason, Capt. Samuel, at Fort Hen- 
ry, 21, 23, 39, 56, 68; Beech Bot- 
tom, 62; scouting, 21, 46; sally 
from fort, 60-64, 74; wounded, 58, 
65. 

Mason County (Ky.), pioneers, 164. 

Matthews, Donelly commissary, 123. 

Matthews, Sampson, 123, 228, 229, 
240, 248; sketch, 228. 

May, David, commissary, 124, 125. 

Maysville (Ky.). See Limestone. 

Meason, Col. Isaac, 221. 

Mequochoke, Shawnee clan, 20. 

Mercer, Gen. Hugh, 214. 

Mercer County (Pa.), 217. 

"Merlin," British ship, 152. 

Methodists, in Virginia, 54, 175. 

Meymaconon, Delaware Indian, 86. 



Miami Indians, village, 283; at De- 
troit council, 7-13; neutral, 102, 
119; sketch, 118. 

Michael, Huron Indian, 291. 

Micheykapeecci, captured, 228, 229. 

Michigan Pioneer and Historical Col- 
lections, 11, 161, 174, 220, 249. 

Miller, Lieut. Anthony, 300, 301. 

Miller, Peter, 305. 

Miller, Capt. Samuel, 41, 55, 69. 

Mills, Edward, at Fort Henry, 62. 

Mills, John, at Wheeling, 59, 60, 62. 

Mills, Lieut. John, 302. 

Mingo Indians, towns, 4, 165, 230; 
friendly, 6, 114; hostile, 19, 67, 75, 
86, 112, 138, 166, 235, 236, 269; war 
party, 95, 96, 100, 282; conciliated, 
260. 

Mingo Bottom, fort at, 4, 62, 63. 

Mingo Junction (O.), 4. 

Minor, Capt. John, 21, 24, 53. 

Mississippi, settlers in, 226, 227. 

Missouri, Indians in, 119. 

Mitchell, Capt. Hugh, 305. 

Mobile, during the Revolution, 192, 
289. 

Mohawk Indians, hostile, 20. 

Mohican Indians, hostile, 19, 164. 

Monongahela County, 305. 

Monongalia County (Va.), militia, 
17, 18, 84, 112, 121, 122, 129, 140, 
142, 155, 177, 238, 295, 296,302; offi- 
cers, 6, 51, 145, 148; fort in, 279; 
volunteers, 42; raided, 255, 268; 
reinforcements from, 50; Loyal- 
ists in, 143. 

Monongalia County (W. Va.), site 
in, 21, 44, 217, 273; pioneer, 135. 

Monroe County (O.), 21. 

Montgomery, Col. John, 194, 264. 

Montgomery County (Ky.), 58, 59. 

Montgomery County (Va.), 224, 239, 
240, 294. 

Montour, John, Indian chief, 164, 
232, 280; sketch, 19. 

Montreal, captives at, 41, 71, 232. 

Moore, Lieut. — , killed, 194, 203. 



320 



INDEX 



Moorhead, — , captured, 37. 

Moorhead, Capt. Samuel, at Kittan- 
ning, 3; attacked, 46; evacuates 
Kittanning, 82; builds Fort Hand, 
41, 97-99; company of, 238; letters, 
15, 37, 38, 69, 97. 

Moravians, among Delawares, 164, 
217, 284; villages of, 55, 94, 165, 
167; raids against, 4, 130, 249. 
See also Zeisberger. 

Morgan, an Indian, 195. 

Morgan, Gen. Daniel, 246. 

Morgan, Col. George, an Illinois 
trader, 195, 292; acting commis- 
sary, 17, 202; Indian agent, 19,88, 
89, 91, 101, 113, 114, 126, 231, 233, 
235, 236; messages to Indians, 91, 
92, 115-118, 136-138, 228, 234-237, 
241-243, 269, 270; goes East, 20, 
94, 113, 120; returns to Fort Pitt, 
33; suppresses proclamation, 284; 
suspected as Loyalist, 128, 184- 
187; arrested, 143, 184, 187; re- 
leased, 185; vindicated, 187, 250; 
letters, 86, 244, 254-257, 276, 277, 
288, 297; letters for, 18, 19, 28, 
100, 101, 147, 172, 173, 188, 258; 
writes Spanish governor, 288-293; 
sends news of French alliance, 
297, 298; Indian name, 92, 234; 
sketch, 5. 

Morgan, Col. Zackwell, militia offi- 
cer, 18, 37, 112, 129; defending 
frontier, 21, 23, 24, 47, 50, 84; act- 
ive against Loyalists, 52, 53, 184, 
185; arrested, 142-145; letters, 18, 
43, 44, 49, 52, 93; sketch, 18. 

Morgantown (W. Va.), 37. 

Morris, Joseph, 305. 

Morris, Robert, financier, 191. 

Morris, Bishop Thomas A., 175. 

Morris, William, West Virginia 
pioneer, 175. 

Morris family, of West Virginia, 
175. 

Moundsville (W. Va.), 108. 

Mount Braddock (Pa.), 221. 



Mountains: Alleghany, 6, 136, 
150, 153, 174. Blue Ridge, 135, 
171. Chestnut, 153. Laurel, 25, 
40, 153, 165. Sewell, 151. Shenan- 
doah, 136. 

Mounts, Col. Providence, 216, 218, 
304. 

Muchmore, Jonathan, 254. 

Muhlenberg, Gen. John Peter Ga- 
briel, 190, 211, 212. 

Munsee Indians, messenger to, 147, 
164; friendly, 230; attacked, 215, 
216, 228, 229; sketch, 147. 

Munter's Bottom, fort at, 31. 

Murphy, Samuel, recollections, 190, 
216-220. 

Murray, Capt. John, 27. 

Murray, Louise W., Old Tioga 
Point, 180. 

Murray, Richard, 302. 

Muskingum County (O.), 109. 

Musquake. See Fox Indians. 



Natchez (Miss.), in the Revolu- 
tion, 191, 226, 289. 

Neilly, — , messenger, 240. 

Neugle, Andrew, 304. 

Neville, Col. John, 2, 244. 

New Derry (Pa.), settlement, 148. 

New Haven (Pa.), 22L 

New Inverness (Ga.), 297. 

New Orleans, relations with, 197, 
287, 291; expeditions for, 191, 197- 
201; Spanish govern, 289, 

New York, frontier attacked, 8, 76, 
173, 180; Loyalists, 173; Colotiial 
Documents, 8, 20; your?iais of 
Provincial Council, 20. 

New York City, British hold, 192, 
232; public library, 5. 

Newcastle (Pa.), 217. 

Newell, Samuel, residence, 142. 

Newton Falls (O.), 178. 

Niagara, British headquarters, 11, 
153, 173, 174, 179, 230, 242, 285; 
commandant, 285; captives at, 37, 



INDEX 



321 



180, 232; scouting toward, 128; 

frontier, 251; Loyalists at, 11, 12. 
Nicholas, John, 305. 
Nicholas, Joseph, 303. 
Nicholas, Philip, 305. 
Nicholls family, 227. 
Nicholson (Nichols), Thomas, 147, 

178. 
Niles (O.), site, 178. 
Niney, Bartholomew, 301. 
Nonhelema, Shawnee squaw, 26. 
North, Lord Frederick, 299. 
North Carolina, boundary, 271. 
Northumberland County (Pa.), 7. 
Northumberland County (Va.), 194. 



Ogle, Jacob, killed, 301. 

Ogle, Capt. Joseph, at Fort Henry, 
55, 56; scouting, 46, 47; at siege, 
64-66; Beech Bottom, 83; with 
Foreman, 106, HI, 302; letter, 36; 
sketch, 36. 

Ogle family, 36. 

Oglethorpe, Gen. James, 297. 

O'Hara, Hugh, 304. 

O'Hara, Capt. James, 278, 302, 303; 
portrait, 278. 

Ohio, Indian trails, 178; sites, 106; 
pioneers, 178; Archaeological and 
Historical Society Publications, 
178. 

Ohio County (Va.), stations in, 33; 
militia, 4, 17, 18, 42, 155, 245, 305; 
officers, 3, 108, 130, 132, 145; 
scouts, 37; defense of, 177, 238, 
268. 

Oklahoma, residents, 119. 

Old Yie (Petalla), Shawnee host- 
age, 149, 158; murdered, 160, 163, 
188, 189, 259. 

O'Neal, Roger, 303. 

Oneida Indians, at Oswego treaty, 
. 20; friendly, 87, 137. 

"Ontario," foundered, 285. 

Orange County (Va.), 292. 

Ormsby, John, 303. 

21 



Oswego (N. Y.), treaty at, 20, 173. 
Ottawa Indians, in Detroit council, 

7-13; at Fort Pitt, 16; village, 

164, 165, 230; interpreter, 231; 

war party, 102. 
Ouiatanon, Indian town, 7, 119, 235, 

292; British commandant, 281, 282; 

destroyed, 213. 
Ouiatanon (Wea) Indians, neutral, 

102, 119; war party, 282; campaign 

against, 213; sketch, 118. 
Ozark. See Arkansas Post. 



Page, Gov. John, letter, 85, 86; 
message to Indians, 88-91, 114, 118. 

Parsons, Capt. James,, 135. 

Patterson, Robert, 61. 

Parsons, Capt. James, 135. 

Pattonsburg (Va.), incorporated, 
123. 

Paxton, Capt. — , Augusta officer, 
122. 

Pennsylvania, frontier defense, 1, 
8, 48, 173, 180, 232; boundary dis- 
pute, 2, 48, 72, 110, 190; troops, 5, 
293; legislature, 6, 24, 168; offi- 
cials, 212; Loyalists in, 143, 198; 
Archives, 5, 41, 71, 147, 166, 191;. 
Colonial Records, 24; Magazine oj 
History, 292. 

Pensacola (Fla.), captured, 289. 

Pentecost, Dorsey, 38. 

Peoria (111.), expedition against, 
264. 

Peoria Indians, habitat, 119. 

Perrin, Edward, 40, 41. 

Perry, Capt. Oliver, 250. 

Petalla. See Old Yie. 

Peters, Richard, 250, 253; letters 
for, 155, 156, 189, 192. 

Peterson, Edward, 300. 

Pew. See Pugh. 

Philadelphia, address from, 6; offi- 
cers at, 92, 139, 192, 193; Congress 
leaves, 133; skirmish near, 146; 
British take, 286; leave, 289. 



322 



INDEX 



Piankeshaw Indians, 119. 

Pickaway Plains, 26. 

Pickaway County (O.), 68. 

Pierce, Capt. — , 45. 

Pierson, Wyllis, 303. 

Pigman, Capt. Jesse, 22, 49, 142. 

Pipe, Delaware Indian, 218, 219. 

Pipe, Captain, Delaware chief, 138, 
165, 218, 228, 270; village, 179; at 
Detroit, 166; friendly, 244. 

Piper, Col. John, 133. 

Piqua, Shawnee clan, 20; village, 
283. 

Pittsburgh, site, 50; road to, 6; 
claimed by two states, 2; pro- 
posed treaty at, 19; endangered, 
38; reinforced, 69; supplies for, 
272; smallpox at, 141; White 
Eyes, 95; Girty, 67, 172; black- 
smith, 217; traders, 130; officers, 
7: militia, 238, 276, 277; list of, 
303, 304; cemetery, 277; Carnegie 
Museum Annals, 185, 277. See 
also Fort Pitt. 

Pluggy, hostile Indian, 30; son, 15, 
232. 

Pluggy's Town, hostile, 5, 6, 15, 18, 
19, 48, 230, 231. 

Poage, Maj. George, 43. 

Poage, Maj. John, 124, 172. 

Poage, Robert, Augusta pioneer, 
124. 

Point Pleasant (W. Va.), troops at, 
33, 151, 158. See also Fort Ran- 
dolph. 

Polk, John, 301, 302. 

Pomroy, Col. John, 153, 304. 

Post, Christian Frederick, 118, 217. 

Potawatomi Indians, 7-13. 

Potter, Gen. James, 146. 

Potter, John, 146. 

Powell, Abraham, 301. 

Powell, Benjamin, 300. 

Presbyterians, in Virginia, 171,248; 
Kentucky, 164. 

Preston, Robert, 266. 

Preston, Col. William, letters, 168, 



223-225, 265-268; letters for, 203, 
204, 206, 209, 240, 241; executes 
will, 271; message to Shawnee, 
258-261. 

Price, — , Virginia Loyalist, 169. 

Prince William County (Va.), 271. 

Princeton (N. J.), campaign for, 146. 

Proctor, Col. John, 70, 151-153, 193. 

Province, John Jr., 305. 

Pugh, Jacob, 254, 300. 

Pugh, Jonathan, 301. 

Purdie, James, 302. 

Putnam, Gen. Israel, 232. 

Quakers, in New Jersey, 15, 
Quebec, ordinance of, 280; captives 

at, 232, 249; messages from, 251, 

233; attacked, 139. 
Queen's Rangers, 173. 
Quigley, Hugh, 303. 



Rader (Roeder), Capt. Michael, 

135. 
Rader family, 135. 
Randolph County (W. Va.), 279. 
Ratchkin, Capt. James, 135. 
"Rattletrap," Willing's boat, 191, 

202; crew of, 302, 303. 
Ravenscroft, Thomas, 218. 
Ray, James, Kentucky pioneer, 182, 

183. 
Reardon's (Rorden) Bottom, 4, 44. 
Redhawk, Shawnee hostage, 149, 

157, 158; murdered, 160, 163, 176, 

188, 189, 259. 
Redick, John, 304. 
Redick, William, 303. 
Redstone (Pa.), Indian raid at, 29; 

refugees, 59; powder magazine, 

51, 52; early settlers, 58, 133, 254; 

council at, 45; Hand, 73; Clark, 

271, 272; sketch, 42. 
Reed, Hugh, 303. 
Reed, Col. Joseph, commissioner, 

198. 
Reed's Station, 40. 



INDEX 



323 



Reel, Gasper, 304. 
Renards. See Fox Indians. 
Richards, Charles, 304. 
Richardson, — , murdered, 180. 
Richardville, Miami chief, 283. 
Richmond (Va.), 288, 292. 
Riffle, Jacob, 305. 
Riffle, Matthias, 305. \ 
Riser, Henry, 301. 
Ritchie, Craig, 294, 295. 
Ritchie, Matthew, 294, 295. 

Rivers: Allegheny, 15, 40, 70, 82, 
114, 147, 153, 173, 179, 180, 188, 193, 
221, 251. Auglaize, 235. Blanche, 
164, 165. Cheat, 142, 143, 273. 
Clinch, 38. Cuyahoga, trail to, 
179; stores at, 193, 215; spy, 230, 
231; sketch, 164, 165. Detroit, 249. 
Elk (W. Va.), 206, 224. Great 
Kanawha, 3, 5, 42, 74, 125, 140, 151, 
155, 156, 158, 163, 167, 171, 174, 175, 
178, 188, 189, 232, 234, 236, 237, 250, 
254, 259. Great Miami, 39, 219, 243, 
251, 283. Green (Ky.), 184, 271. 
Greenbrier (Va.), 79. Hinkston's 
(Ky.), 181. Hockhocking (O.), 
126. Holston, 182, 265, 271. Jack- 
son's (Va.), 150. Kanawha — see 
Great Kanawha. Kentucky, 253, 
283. Licking (Ky.), 181, 190. Lit- 
tle Kanawha, 22. Little Miami, 
26, 252. Little Wabash, 265. 
Maumee, 235, 275. Miami— see 
Great Miami. Middle (Va.), 162. 
Mississippi, 160, 191, 194, 287. 
Monongahela, 21, 23, 37, 45, 55, 56, 
58, 59, 93, 143, 183, 184, 217, 226, 
263, 272, 273,279,296. Muskingum, 
4, 55, 100, 165, 178, 218, 249. Ohio, 
6, 10, 21, 22, 34, 45, 55, 59, 63, 81, 
107, 126, 146, 163, 172, 196, 200, 203, 
231, 246, 257, 258, 264, 282, 283, 287; 
forts on, 3-6, 47. Potomac, 15, 34, 
40, 136, 217, 263. Rock (111.), 194. 
Rocky — see Great Miami. St. 
Joseph, 7. Schuylkill, 123, 146. 



Scioto, 4, 26, 59, 88, 126, 260. 
Slate, 59. Susquehanna, 20, 25, 67, 
174, 200. Thames (Ont.), 250. 
Tuscarawas (O.), 178, 218, 298. 
Tygart (Va.), 279. Wabash, 10, 
118, 281, 286. White (Ind.), 118. 
Yadkin (N. C), 103, 271. Yough- 
iogheny, 38, 65, 67, 120, 143, 190, 
216, 221. 

Roberdeau, Daniel, commissioner, 
187. 

Robertson, Andrew, 303. 

Robertson, James, 304. 

Robertson, Thomas, 302. 

Robinson, — , messenger, 245. 

Robinson, Andrew, letter, 294-297. 

Robinson, Capt. John, 5, 72, 130. 

Robinson township (Pa.), 134. 

Rocheblave, Frangois Rastel, Sieur 
de, 286, 287. 

Roche de Bout, 251. 

Rockbridge County (Va.), no ex- 
posed frontier, 224; court, 177; 
records, 178; pioneers, 127, 159, 
206, 246, 248; militia, 105, 238-240, 
267, 268, 294. 

Rockingham County (Va.), militia, 
238, 294, 296. 

Rody, Richard, 303. 

Rogers, — , loses cattle 23. 

Rogers, Col. David, expedition, 199, 
278. 

Roeder. See Rader. 

Roosevelt, Theodore, Winning of the 
West, 90. 

Rordon. See Reardon. 

Rowan, William, tried for Corn- 
stalk's murder, 178. 

Rowland, John, 303. 

Rowland, Capt. Thomas, 43. 

Runs: Beaver (Pa.), 50. Crooked 
(W. Va.), 273. Chartier's (Pa.), 
200. McGee's (Pa.), 71. Perrin's 
(W. Va.), 4L Piper's (Pa.), 133. 
Reardon's (Pa.), 44. Sandy (W. 



324 



INDEX 



Va.), 254. Twelve Mile (Pa.), 39, 
151. White Pine (Pa.), 82. 

Russell, Col. William, in Conti- 
nental army, 209-214, 218; letter 
for, 134; at Fort Pitt, 279; sketch, 
7, 134. 

Ryan, James, 303, 304. 

Ryan, Lazarus, 302. 

Ryan, Patrick, 302. 



St. Asaph (Ky.), founded, 182. 

St. Clair, Gen. Arthur, 48, 118, 166. 

St. Clair County (111.), 36. 

Ste. Genevieve (Mo.), 286. 

St. Leger, Col. Barry, expedition, 
20. 

St. Louis, Spanish at, 290; pio- 
neers, 174, 1T5. 

St. Mary's (O.), trader at, 235. 

Salt Lick town, Indian village, 178, 
219. 

Sandusky, Indian towns, 165; Brit- 
ish at, 275, 282; traders, 280; 
messengers for, 19; news from, 
29, 95; supplies at, 103; expedi- 
tion for, 130, 134; Crawford at, 12, 
134; sketch, 134. 

Saunders, John, at siege of Wheel- 
ing, 60. 

Savannah (Ga.), during the Revo- 
lution, 190, 297, 298. 

Scotch-Irish, in Pennsylvania, 148, 
153; Virginia, 170. 

Scott, Gen. Charles, 119, 211, 213. 

Scott, Capt. David, 216, 217, 219. 

Scott, Fanny, killed, 217. 

Scott, James, escaped, 217. 

Scott, Phebe, killed, 217. 

Scott, Samuel, killed, 213. 

Second Virginia regiment, 213. 

Semple, Samuel, 304. 

Seneca Indians, towns, 4; chief, 20; 
interpreter for, 172; captive, 234; 
messenger to, 179; message from, 
230; friendly, 8; hostile, 172-174, 
ISO, 188, 189; fared on, 86. 



Severance, Frank H., Old Trails on 
Niagara Frontier, 173, 285. "Cap- 
tives at Niagara", 180. 

Shannon, Capt. Samuel, at Fort 
Henry, 46, 50, 56, 62; sketch, 46, 
47. 

Shawnee Indians, clans, 20; towns, 
25, 160, 165; trail, 279; migrations, 
166, 200; traders among, 249; 
captives, 78, 296; in French and 
Indian War, 159; at siege of Fort 
Henry, 67; messages for, 92, 114, 
234-237, 242-244, 266; friendly, 25, 
254; chiefs held as hostages, 126; 
chiefs murdered, 157-163, 169, 175- 
177; hostile, 22, 39, 150, 189, 205, 
207, 252, 255; war parties, 282, 283; 
at Detroit council, 7-13; attempts 
to conciliate, 186, 225, 258-261; 
McKee's influence with, 284; ex- 
pedition against, 264. 

Shearer, Capt. Robert, 134, 135. 

Shearer, William, 134. 

Shenandoah County (Va.), militia 
238. See also Dunmore County. 

Shens, William, 301. 

Shepherd, Col. David, commandant 
at Fort Henry, 22, 33, 62, 66, 76, 
77, 83-85, 110, 131, 301; repairs 
fort, 39; describes skirmish, 37; 
warned, 55; during siege, 60; de- 
scribes siege, 72; Foreman's de- 
feat, 106, 107; letters, 14, 15, 46, 
47, 49-51, 120, 121, 222, 223, 245; 
letters for, 1-3, 18, 221, 222, 227; 
buries dead, 122; as messenger, 
133; sketch, 3. 

Shepherd, Moses, 65; portrait, 222. 

Shepherd, Rebecca McConnell, at 
siege of Fort Henry, 66. 

Shepherd, Sarah, 64. 

Shepherd, William, killed, 66. 

Shepherd family, 46, 65; residence, 
57, 59; papers, 84. 

Shippen, Edward, message for, 201, 
216. 

Shippensburg (Pa.), resident, 133. 



INDEX 



325 



Shirley, James, messenger, 142. 

Shiver, John, captured, 273. 

Shivers, Elisha, 300. 

Shoers, Thomas, 254. 

Shores, Greenberry, 303. 

Shull, — , Virginia Loyalist, 169. 

Skelton, Capt. Joseph, 257, 276. 

Skillern, Col. George, at court mar- 
tial, 43; commands militia, 123; 
at Fort Randolph, 149, 150, 158, 
162, 172, 177; letter, 124, 125; 
deposition, 224; takes deposition, 
163; sketch, 123, 

Six, John, 305. 

Six Nations (Iroquois) Indians, 
towns, 164, 178, 217; attitude, 31; 
hostile, 8, 11, 137, 173, 274; influ- 
ence on Western tribes, 20; send 
war-belts, 8, 19; messages, 282; 
interpreter for, 255. See also 
Mohawk, Mingo, Oneida, Seneca, 
Tuscarora. 

Slover, John, captive, 235. 

Small, John, 304. 

Smallman, Maj. Thomas, 73, 276. 

Smally, James, killed, 273. 

Smith, — , killed, 142. 

Smith, Devereux, 70-72. 

Smith, Capt. Hendry, militia offi- 
cer, 81. 

Smith, Hugh, 304. 

Smith, Col. James, pursues In- 
dians, 70, 71, 151; letter, 153; let- 
ter for, 193; sketch, 70. 

Smith, John, 305. 

Smith, William Bailey, 103, 271. 

"Smithfield," Preston's residence, 
168. 

Smith's Ferry (Ky.), 271. 

Smyth, Rev. Adam, 168, 169. 

Smyth, Gen. Alexander, 169. 

Smyth, Samuel, surgeon, 163. 

Sovereigns, Hannah, 184. 

Southern Historical Magazine, 108. 

Spanish, in Louisiana, 199, 287; re- 
lations with Americans, 288-293. 

Spangler, Jacob, 305. 



Spark, Lieut. James, 84. 

Sparks, Capt. William, 305. 

Spottsylvania County (Va.), rec- 
ords, 215. 

Spriggs, Levin, 302. 

Springer, Levi, 64. 

Springer, Capt. Zadoc, 37. 

Stagg, Mrs. Joseph, recollections, 
62-65. 

Stanford (Ky.), 182. 

Statler family, Virginia pioneers, 21. 

Staunton, Dr. Edmund, English 
divine, 176. 

Staunton (Va.), Augusta County 
seat, 72; pioneers, 162, 163, 196; 
a rendezvous, 150; rector of, 168; 
Hand visits, 156, 175, 176; sketch, 
176. 

Steel, — , at siege of Fort Henry, 61. 

Steel, Col. Archibald, 48, 49, 77, 138, 
139, 201; sketch, 139. 

Stephen, Gen. Adam, 213. 

Stephenson, Maj. John, 190, 216-218. 

Stevens, B. J., Facsimiles, 161. 

Stewart, — , boat-builder, 256, 257. 

Stewart, Maj. Jack, 256, 257. 

Stewart, William, 221. 

Stewart. See also Stuart. 

Stewart's Crossings (Pa.), 221. 

Stiles, Benjamin, 219. 

Stodgill, Joel, 78. 

Stony Point, captured, 257. 

Strain, Michael, 303. 

Stuart, Charles A., furnishes docu- 
ment, 157. 

Stuart, James, killed, 273. 

Stuart, Capt. John, letter from, 
80-82; narrative, 157-162. 

Sullivan, Daniel, spy, 230-233. 

Sullivan, George Rogers Clark, 
Kentucky pioneer, 175. 

Sullivan, Capt. James, 73, 174, 303. 

Sullivan, Gen. John, 256. 

Sullivan, John C, at St. Louis, 174, 
175. 

Surphlitt (Surplus), Robert (Rob- 
in), deserts to British, 250-252, 255. 



326 



INDEX 



Swan, Charles, 264. 
Swan, John, pioneer, 263, 264. 
Swan, Lieut. John Jr., 263, 264. 
Swatswih. See James Girty. 
Swearingen, Col. Van, 135. 
Symmes, John C, 219. 

Taimenend, Morgan's Indian 
name, 92, 116, 118, 136, 138, 243. 
See also Col. George Morgan. 

Tammany. See Taimenend. 

Tawa Indians. See Ottawa. 

Taylor, Maj. Henry, 44, 45. 

Taylor, Isaac, wounded, 79. 

Taylor, James, 303. 

Taylor, Samuel, 302. 

Taylorstown (Pa.), 130. 

Tennessee, boundary, 271. 

Terry, John, 303. 

Teusbaugh, Jacob, 305. 

Third Virginia regiment, 214. 

Thirteenth Virginia (West Augusta) 
regiment, 7, 59, 174, 218; at Fort 
Pitt, 279; officers, 147, 303. 

Thirty-fourth British artillery, 173, 
285. 

Thomas, Richard, deposition, 162, 
163. 

Thomson, Charles, secretary of 
Congress, 294. 

Thwaites, R. G., Early Western 
Travels^ 118; Withers^ s Chrojiicles, 
24, 37, 62, 93, 137, 249, 273. 

Tinkling Spring (Va.), church, 171. 

Todd, John, in Illinois, 292. 

Tonti, Henri, explorer, 199. 

Tomlinson, Joseph, 21, 23. 

Tomlinson, Lieut. Samuel, 21, 60, 63. 

Treaties: Detroit (1777), 25. 
Easton (1759), 234. Franco-Amer- 
ican (1777), 299. Fort Mcintosh 
(1785), 165. Fort Pitt (1777), 235. 
Fort Stanwix (1768), 22, 116. 
Greenville (1795), 10, 118, 119. 
Niagara (1777), 25. Oswego (1777), 
25, 173. Paris (1783), 71. Sycamore 



Shoals (1775), 271. Wea Indians, 
119. 

Trenton (N. J.), campaign for, 146. 

Truby, Capt. Christopher, 304. 

Truine, John, 304. 

Trumbull, Jonathan, commissary- 
general, 137. 

Trumbull County (O.), 178. 

Tucker, William, 2-31, 232. 

Turney, Lieut. John, 282. 

Tuscarora Indians, join Americans, 
87, 137. 

Twigtwee Indians. See Miami. 

Tygart, David, 279. 

Tyler County (Va.), 150. 

Uniontown (Pa.), 65, 67. 
Urbana (O.), founder, 162. 

Valley Forge, camp at, 209, 210, 
298; officer, 69. 

Valleys: Cumberland, 77, 110, 148, 
153. Great Kanawha, 175. Lig- 
onier, 166. Mississippi, 199. Path, 
87. Penn's, 146. Shenandoah, 135, 
248. Tygart's, 279. Virginia, 170. 

Van Bibber, Capt. John, 78-81. 

Van Meter, Henry, pioneer, 22. 

Van Meter, Jacob, 264. 

Van Meter, Capt. John, 5, 110, 111, 
130, 13'5; sketch, 22, 23. 

Van Meter, John Jr., captured, 22, 
23. 

Vance, Capt. David, 304. 

Versailles (Ky.), 213. 

Villiers, Coulon de, 221. 

Vincennes (Ind.), British governor, 
10,281; settler, 234; route to, 265; 
expedition against, 184, 226; cap- 
tured, 7, 10, 11, 194, 288. 

Vincent, John, 301, 302. 

Virgin, Capt. Reazin, '55, 67, 68, 219. 

Virginia, frontier defense, 1, 48, 205- 
209, 232; boundary dispute, 2, 48, 
72, 110, 190, 271; invaded, 123; 
militia, 5, 16, 30-32; regiments, 
293; governor, 114, 118, 258; legis- 



INDEX 



327 



lature, 17, 132, 142, 168; conven- 
tion, 70; laws, 169, 170, 239; rep- 
resentative in Congress, 187; 
British prisoners in, 286, 288; 
Loyalists, 143, 198; messages to 
Delawares, 88; supplies lead, 203; 
Historical Collections^ 157; His- 
torical Magazine, 178. 

Wakatomica, campaign, 45. 

Walker, John, 302. 

Wallace, Lieut. Andrew, 27. 

Wallace, David, 196. 

Wallace, Peter Jr., 27. 

Wallace, Richard, 71, 148. 

Wallace family, 196. 

Wapeymachickthe, Morgan's Shaw- 
nee name, 234, 237. 

Ward, James, killed in Dunmore's 
War, 162-164. 

Ward, Capt. James Jr., Kentucky 
pioneer, 163. 

Ward, John, Indian captive, 164. 

Ward, J. Q. A., sculptor, 162. 

Ward, William, deposition, 162, 163. 

Warm Springs (Va.), 150. 

Warren (Pa.), 180. 

Wars: French and Indian, 4, 15, 
117, 146, 165, 166, 171, 190, 213, 219. 
Pontiac's (1763), 119, 166, 217, 219, 
281, 292. Dunmore's (1774), 2, 4, 
11, 196, 246, 248, 249. Cherokee 
(1776), 90. Spain and Great Brit- 
ain (1778), 289. 1812-15, 119, 139, 
235, 250, 275. Secession, 119. 

Washington, Gen. George, 17; in 
French and Indian War, 209, 216, 
217, 221; in the West, 4, 106, 107, 
190; commander in chief, 104, 105, 
208, 212, 213, 297, 298; appoints 
officers, 190, 294; commends offi- 
cer, 146; encounters Howe, 87, 
123; letters for, 154, 172-174. 

Washington, Col. Samuel, commis- 
sioner, 198, 228. 

Washingrton family, 17. 



Washington (D. C), Indians at, 
118. 

Washington (Ky.), pioneers, 164. 

Washington (Pa.), 6, 294. 

Washington County (Pa.), 40, o4, 
77, 112, 130, 134, 200, 218, 294. 

Washington County (Va.), 38, 239, 
294. 

Wawiaghtana. See Ouiatanon. 

Wayne, Gen. Anthony, at Stony 
Point, 213, 257; defeats Indians, 
10, 12, 118, 164, 235. 

Waynesburg (Pa.), 22. 

Wea Indians. See Ouiatanon. 

Weedon, Gen. George, 213, 214. 

Wells, — , messenger, 299. 

Wellsburg (W. Va.), 41, 54. 

West Augusta, committee for, 185; 
regiment— .see Thirteenth Virginia. 

West Virginia, panhandle, 135; 
Historical Magazine, 65, 78, 149. 

Western Reserve (O.), settled, 165. 

Westmoreland County (Pa.), bound- 
aries, 40, 50; seat, 6; sites in, 200; 
officers, 37, 39, 70, 71, 110, 139, 145, 
148; militia, 1, 3, 25, 134, 141, 147, 
155, 215, 216, 222, 304,305; rangers, 
22; recruits, 47; raided, 147, 155, 
188; frontier defense, 69-72, 238; 
expedition from, 193; pioneer, 41; 
address to, 6; sketch, 25. 

Wetzel, George, 296. 

Wetzel, Jacob, 296. 

Wetzel, Capt. John, 296, 305. 

Wetzel, John Jr., 296. 

Wetzel, Lewis, 296. 

Wetzel, Martin, 296, 302. 

Wharton, Thomas, 24. 

Wheeling (W. Va.), commandant 
14, 110; garrison, 33, 120; skir 
mish near, 36; threatened, 19, 26 
reinforced, 49, 106; besieged, 96^ 
106, 107, 118, 134; after siege, 76, 
77, 83-85; losses, 95; siege of 1782 
68, 233-235; war party at, 164; 
Clark's expedition, 39, 272; boats, 
226, 227, 263; Hand visits, 138-140 



328 



INDEX 



settlers, 15, 59. See also Fort 

Henry. 
Whitaker, James, 254. 
White, William, 303. 
White Eyes, Delaware chief, 29; 

warns Americans, 62, 254, 255, 268; 

neutral, 173; friendly, 179, 244; 

messages for, 112-118, 228, 229; 

messages from, 93-97, 100, 101, 103; 

message to Shawnee, 260; in dan- 
ger, 35; visits Fort Pitt, 164, 166, 

167; sketch, 35. 
White Mingo, on warpath, 179, 180, 

188, 189; at Cuyahoga, 230. 
Whittaker, Daniel, 302. 
Wiley, Samuel T., History of 

Monongalia County., 44, 305. 
Wilkinson, Gen. James, expedition, 

119. 
Williams, Capt. Richard, 304. 
Williams, William, 301. 
Williamsburgh (Va.), 16, 17, 142-144. 
Williamson, Capt. David, 55, 130, 

135. 
Williamson, John, 130. 
Williamson, Joseph, 130. 
Willing, Anne Shippen, 191. 
Willing, Charles, 191. 
Willing, Capt. James, expedition, 

191, 202; supplies for, 278, 290; 

boat crew, 302, 303 ; captures boat, 

286; buys land, 200; letter, 198, 

199; sketch, 191. 
Willing, Thomas, financier, 191. 
Wilmington (Del.), skirmish near, 

146. 
Wilson, — , mill owner, 24. 
Wilson, Ensign David, 300, 801. 
Wilson, James, Pennsylvania pio- 
neer, 153. 
Wilson, John, 300. 
Wilson, Rev. Robert, 164. 
Winbiddie, Conrad, 304. 
Winchester (Va.), 181, 272. 
Wingenund (Wiondoughwalind), 

Delaware chief, 95, 96, 101, 102, 

118, 119. 



Winston, Richard, 292. 

Wise, Jacob, 304. 

Wisconsin Historical Collections, 
7-9, 29, 147. 

Withers, Alexander, secures in- 
formation, 61. See also, Thwaites, 
Withers^s Chronicles, 

Wood, James, at Indian towns, 4, 
172. 

Woodford, Gen. William, 213. 

Woodford County (Ky.), 79, 213. 

Woods, Ensign — , killed, 166. 

Woods, WiUiam, 304. 

Woodstock (Va.), 211, 212. 

Worley, Nathan, killed, 21. 

Wright, Benjamin, 305. 

Wright, Capt. James, 77. 

Wright, Joshua, 77. 

Wyandot (Huron) Indians, at De- 
troit council, 7-13; friendly, 6; 
urged to war, 137; hostile, 19, 20, 
29, 48, 86, 88, 112, 138, 154, 235, 236, 
269; war parties, 35, 50, 95, 96, 100, 
164, 254, 255, 268; at siege of 
Wheeling, 67; at Cuyahoga, 230; 
relations with Delawares, 28, 29, 
167, 242; with Mingo, 147; chief, 
25; conciliated, 260; in War of 
1812-15, 275. 



Xenia (O.), 26, 252. 



Yeager, Joseph, 305. 

Yeates, Jasper, letters for, 5, 6, 19, 
20, 48, 49, 118-120, 128, 188-192, 
197-201, 215, 216, 249, 250, 253; 
sketch, 5. 

Yeates, Sarah, 5. 

Yoho, Henry, 302, 305. 

Yoho, John, 302. 

Yohogania County (Va.), court, 
190; officers, 51, 110, 145, 148, 220, 
233, 294; militia, 17, 155, 177; vol- 
unteers, 42; defense of, 238; rec- 
ords, 185, 277. 



INDEX 



329 



York (Pa.), 136, 201, 251, 255, 297. 
Yorktown (Va.), siege, 214. 



Zane, Andrew, early Wheeling 
settler, 15; at siege, 56, 57, 60, 63; 
sketch, 56. 

Zane, Ebenezer, 15, 61, 62, 64. 

Zane, Isaac, captured, 15. 

Zane, Jonathan, 15. 



Zane, Noah, 61. 

Zane, Robert, 15. 

Zane, Silas, 15, 57, 59. 

Zane, William, 15. 

Zeisberger, David, Moravian mis- 
sionary, 244; letters, 67, 93, 94, 
101, 102, 118, 164-167; warns set- 
tlers, 18, 19, 27-29; commended, 
92, 115; British address, 284; 
sketch, 18. 



APR 17 191? 



rj^ 












■©, * . 



y ^Ky^ 



,*• ..V 






V 







^-^i^^.. " 





















A^'' ■^'> ' 1' ■■; (>■ 






%' 

-^ 






6, ^* 



V 









.^ 






0.^ 







'<-- 



%' .<^ 









•'^^.* ^^- ''Ms^^ 







'^^ 












.-^^ 














'"■^^ ■ * » t 












